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IN THE WAR, 






BEING A NARRATIVE 



Campaigns of the 48th Regiment, Infantry, 



PENNSYLVANIA VETERAN VOLUNTEERS, 



DURING THE WAR OF THE REBELLION. 



Oliver Christian Bosbyshell, 

Late Major. 



PHILADELPHIA: 
AviL Printing Company, 







Copyright 1895, 

BY 

Oliver Christian Bosbyshell. 



. 5 



(Z-s 



^-iK 



DEDICATED 

TO THE 

SONS JS^ND DAUGHTERS 

OF THE 

MEN WHO FOUGHT FOR THE UNION 

IN THE 

FORTY-EIGHTH. 



TABLE OF CONTENTS. 



PACK 



Chapter I.— Organization and Muster-in 17 

Chapter II.— Hattekas 22 

Chapter III.— Newbern ^^ 

Chapter IV. — Newport News - 52 

Chapter V.— With Pope 58 

Chapter VI.— McClellan's Last Campaign 73 

Chapter VII.— Burnside in Command 91 

Chapter VIII.— Lexington 104 

Chapter IX.— East Tennessee 117 

Chapter X.— Veteran Furlough 141 

Chapter XL— Wilderness to Petersburg 146 

Chapter XII.— The Petersburg Mine 163 

Chapter XIII. —Final Assault and Muster-out 178 

Chapter XIV.— Second Maryland. Sixth New Hampshire . . .190 



PREFACE. 




HAT is more interesting to the old soldier than a 
rehash of former campaigns — a calling up of old 
camping grounds, and lingering along the trails 
made in the marchings and meanderings of the 
years of the war, with the scenes and incidents 
attendant thereon ? 
An attempt is made in this hook to sketch the doings of the 
Forty-eighth Regiment, Pennsylvania Veteran Volunteers, Infantry, 
not with rule and compass, hut as they happened under the notice 
of my own eyes. That it is not all it ought to he, I fully know; 
that it may seem somewhat tinged with partiality may likewise be so, 
hut rememher, it is the way in which it came under my own ohserva- 
tion; it is not compiled from official data, or the say-so of others ; it 
is simply as I saw it and as my ideas clothed it. Several comrades 
have helped in certain parts of the work, particularly in the campaign 
from the Wilderness to Petersburg. I am especially grateful to the 
lamented General Pleasants, who furnished invaluahle data of the 
campaign named and the Peter shurg Mine. Captain Francis D. 
Koch, of Company I, and Private Robert A. Reid, of Company G, 
have been particularly kind in aiding me. 

A tender chord of comradeship resounds in my heart, whenever 
any who marched in the ranks of the Forty-eighth are named. For 
them, to keep alive some of their deeds, I have written what follows. 




_(71.^-tI'Si/p/'2j£jC 



ERRATA. 

Page 44. — For Thomas L. Reno read Jesse L. Reno. 
Page 163. — For Fire Box in Sketch of Mine, read Air Box. 




Flags of 48th Reg-t Pa. Vols. 



The 48th in the Wa: 



CHAPTER I. 

ORGANIZATION AND MUSTER-IN. 

The Fortv-eighth Regiment Pennsylvania Veteran Volunteers 
(infentrv), was recruited in Schuylkill County during the months of 
August and September, 1861. James Xagle, a distinguished citizai 
and soldier of Poitsville, Pa., who served honorably and well aa 
captain of Company A, First Pennsylvania Regiment, during the war 
with Mexico, and also as colonel of the Sixth Pennsylvania Regiment 
during the Three Months' Service, in the beginning of the War of the 
Rebellion, was authorized by Governor Andrew G. Curtin, on the four- 
teenth of August, 1S61. to raise and organize this regiment. He was 
commissioned as colonel of the same, to rank from the date named. He 
at once empowered Daniel B. Kauffinan, James Wren, Henry Pleas- 
ants. Daniel Xagle, WiUiam Winlack, Joseph H. H-skings. Philip 
Xagle, Joseph A. Gilmour, John R. Porter and H. A. M. Filbert to 
recruit cx)mpanies for the regiment ; each of these gentlemen being 
subsequently commissioned captain of Companies A. B, C, D, E. F, G, 
H, I and K, respectively. 

Companv A was principally recruited in Tamaqua and Port Clin- 
ton ; Company E in Xew Philadelphia and Silver Creek. Company F 
made MinersviUe its headquarters. Company I found a fruitfol field 
of operations in Middleport and the Schuylkill Valley, whilst Company 
K confined its recruiting to Cress<:.na and Schuylkill Haven. The other 
companies, B, C, D, G and H, made PotlsviUe their harvesting ground. 
As rapidlv as men were secured they were forwarded to Camp C^irtin, 
in Harrisburg, where the regiment rendezvoused. The medical exami- 
nations haviiTg been succesfiiUy passed, the recruits were equipped and 
a^isned to their respective companies. Drills were instituted by the 
squad and company, and twice during its stay at Camp Curtin r^- 
mental drills were "had. For the majority this was their first taste of 
military dutv : however, there were many who had served in the Three 
Months' Service, in the Sixth, Fourteenth, Sixteenth, Twenty-fiith, and 

(17) 



18 

other organizations. A number of those who first entered Washington 
City, and who are now known as the " First Defenders," re-entered the 
service in the Forty-eighth Regiment, nearly all attaining the rank of 
commissioned officers. 

In a very short space of time the ranks were filled by Schuylkill 
Countians, it being Colonel Nagle's special desire to have a regiment 
composed of men exclusively from that county. 

The field, staff, and non-commissioned staff were as follows : 
James Nagle, Colonel ; David A, Smith, Lieutenant Colonel ; Joshua 
K.Sigfried, Major ; John D. Bertolette, Adjutant ; James Ellis, Quarter- 
master ; David Minis, Jr., M. D., Surgeon ; Charles T. Reber, M. D., 
Assistant Surgeon ; Rev. Samuel A. Holman, Chaplain ; Charles Looser, 
Jr., Sergeant Major; Alexander S. Bowen, Quartermaster Sergeant; 
Jacob F. Wagner, Commissary Sergeant ; William H. Hardell, Hos- 
pital Steward, and Abraham Nagle, Principal Musician. 

The companies were officered as follows : 

Company A, Daniel B. Kauffman, Captain ; Abiel H. Jackson, 
First Lieutenant, and Henry Boyer, Second Lieutenant. 

Company B, James Wren, Captain ; Ulysses A. Bast, First Lieu- 
tenant, and John L. Wood, Second Lieutenant. 

Company C, Henry Pleasants, Captain ; George W. Gowen, First 
Lieutenant, and Thomas J. Fitzsimmons, Second Lieutenant. 

Company T>, Daniel Nagle, Captain ; William W. Potts, First 
Lieutenant, and Charles Kleckner, Second Lieutenant. 

Company E, William Winlack, Captain ; William Cullen, First 
Lieutenant, and Thomas Bohannan, Second Lieutenant. 

Company F, Joseph H. Hoskings, Captain ; Henry James, First 
Lieutenant, and John L. Williams, Second Lieutenant. 

Company G, Philip Nagle, Captain ; Cyrus Scheetz, First Lieuten- 
ant, and OHver C. Bosbyshell, Second Lieutenant. 

Company H, Joseph A. Gilmour, Captain ; William J. Hinkle, 
First Lieutenant, and Edward C. Baird, Second Lieutenant. 

Company I, John R. Porter, Captain ; George H. Gressang, First 
Lieutenant, and Michael M. Kistler, Second Lieutenant. 

Company K, H. A. M. Filbert, Captain ; Isaac F. Brannan, First 
Lieutenant, and Jacob Douty, Second Lieutenant. 

The regiment was the recipient of two stands of colors, one from 
the State and the other from John T. Werner, Esq., one of Pottsville's 
patriotic citizens, and the father of J. Frank Werner, who served so 
gallantly in the regiment. Inscribed upon the blue field of this flag 
were the words " In the cause of the Union we know no such word as 



19 



fail." These colors were presented by Governor Curtin on the twentieth 
of September, and the glowing words of his speech made a deep impres- 
sion upon the command. Through the war they were gallantly de- 
fended, and although shattered and torn by bullet and shell, were 
safely returned to the State, and now find sacred shelter in the flag room 
of the Capitol Building, in Harrisburg. 

The regiment was ordered from Camp Curtin on the twenty-fourth 
of September, and left via the Northern Central Railway, presumably 
for Washington City ; the destination was, however, changed en route 
upon the receipt of a telegram by Colonel Nagle, directing him to re- 
port to General Wool, at Fortress Monroe. 

Within seven miles of Baltimore the train was detained over ten 
hours, by reason of a wreck ahead, so that the city was not reached 
until the morning of the twenty-fifth. A march of two miles through 
Baltimore brought the command to the wharf, where, embarking upon 
the steamer Georgia, the water life of the regiment began. The trip 
down the Chesapeake Bay was accomplished safely and really enjoyed 
by all, notwithstanding the fact that the Georgia was a precarious old 
craft, likely to fall to pieces. The captain wisely crept along close in to 
shore, not knowing what moment the timbers of the old hulk would sep- 
arate.' He was all anxiety, and his constant call admonishing to " trim 
ship" kept the boys moving. The night moved slowly away, the 
somnolent regiment unmindful of danger, although ever and anon 
through its weary hours the cry of "trim ship" caused a shiftmg of 
position. On the morning of the twenty-sixth the command disem- 
barked at Fortress Monroe, just as the Twentieth Indiana was leaving 
for Hatteras, a region destined to be full of events for the Forty- 
eighth. Passing around the walls of the fortress over the long, narrow 
rold and bridgl connecting with Hampton, the command reached a 
camping ground within the confines of "Camp Hamilton," in charge of 
dear old General Mansfield. His mild disposition and benevolent heart, 
that caused him to be ever on the lookout for the welfare of his soldiers, 
combined, however, with a firm, just discipline, endeared him to all 

with whom he came in contact. , , • ■, 

One dark, blustery night, and this camp was prolific of such kind 
of ni-hts, Jake Haines let General Mansfield slip through the camp 
s^uard without challenge. Jake was as deaf as a post, and besides was 
walking away from him when the General entered. The General noti- 
fied the oflicer of the guard to have the offender reprimanded the next 
morning at guard-mount, and then attempted to pass out of camp on 
the opposite side, but Rogers was there, and his "halt, or I'll prog ye 



20 

brought him up a-standing. Colonel Nagle reprimanded Haines next 
morning, but it was done in the low squeaking voice which the Colonel 
sometimes adopted, so that when it was over Haines inquired " "What 
did he say ? " Drills and inspections became the routine duty of the 
regiment, with an occasional detail for picket duty. Companies E, 
F, G and K were mustered into the United States Service by Colonel 
T. J. Cram, U. S. A., on the first of October, and the occasion was 
made quite enjoyable by Sergeant Stafford Johnson, of E, declining to 
be sworn as a sergeant. " Why, what did you come for, man ? " in- 
quired Colonel Cram. " I kim fur a leii-tenant, sir," says Johnson. 
"Well, well," replied Cram, scarcely able to repress a smile, "stand up 
and be mustered as a sergeant ; if you're not fit to be a sergeant, you 
are not fit to be a lieutenant." 

General Wool, commanding at Fortress Monroe, frequently visited 
the camp. His venerable appearance, he being at the time the second 
eldest general in the army, won the respect of the boys, if Quinn did 
sometimes personate the shaky manner he displayed when lifting his 
hat at a review of the troops. On the third of October, the regiment, 
having been flooded out the previous night, moved to higher ground, 
occupying a camp vacated by one of the regiments that had been 
ordered away. The ninth of October was made memorable by the 
arrival of Sutler Isaac Lippman, with a great, unwieldy tent, which 
the boys pitched with infinite delight, although a heavy storm of wind 
and rain prevailed On the eleventh Shaw made himself famous by 
shooting in the leg a Massachusetts soldier, who attempted to pass his 
picket post — thought he was " secesh." On Sunday, the thirteenth, the 
first religious service was held, by the chaplain, Rev. Samuel J. Hol- 
man. These Sunday services became general, and at least a fourth of 
the regiment, many times a greater number, attended. Great interest 
was felt in the grand expedition fitting out here for the South Atlan- 
tic coast. Hampton Roads was crowded with vessels waiting to join the 
Armada, and a large force of troops was being gathered at this point. 
Daily the various organizations detailed as a part of this expedition 
would leave camp to embark on some one of the numerous vessels in 
waiting. On the fifteenth, Brigadier General Mansfield assumed com- 
mand of all of the forces at Camp Hamilton, vice General Max Weber. 

The passes required for visiting Fortress Monroe or other points 
of interest were prescribed by orders to be written on a quarter-sheet 
of foolscap paper, with an allowance of at least four lines for the assist- 
ant adjutant general's signature, and what a wonderful signature ; 
" Drake DeKay," written with a paint brush ! 



21 

How enjoyable the details for wood cutting, only a mile's march 
from camp, and one long day of jolly fun, with plenty of grapes, per- 
simmons and crab-apples thrown in. On Sunday, the tenth of Novem- 
ber, orders were received assigning the Forty-eighth to Hatteras Inlet 
to relieve the Twentieth Indiana, and it cannot be said that a very large 
degree of enthusiasm was manifested over this assignment. On the 
eleventh tents were struck, packed, and with baggage placed on steamer 
"S. R. Spaulding," the regiment marched to the wharf near Fortress 
Monroe, and embarked upon the same vessel. At dusk the steamer 
started, and in going out of Hampton Roads, passed between the ships 
of war, Roanoke and Minnesota, the former the better craft of the two. 
The " S. R. Spaulding " was a fine ship, only two years' old, delightfully 
fitted out with the best appliances and most comfortable conveniences. 
Very agreeable was her graceful motion as she steamed out of the Roads 
into the broad bosom of the Atlantic. The unexpectedly warm and 
balmy atmosphere, combined with the bright radiance of the silvery 
moon, made the journey down the coast delightful in the extreme ; few 
of the members of the regiment sought repose until long after midnight. 
Many had their first glimpse of a sunrise at sea on the morning of the 
twelfth and enjoyed its glories to the full, out of a cloudless sky. By 
8 o'clock, a. m., the steamer dropped anchor in Hatteras Inlet, and 
two hours later the redraent disembarked. 



CHAPTER II. 



HATTERAS. 



Hatteras Island forms a part of the eastern boundary of North 
Carolina ; it is some forty miles long and varies in width from, a half 
mile to three miles. Its northern boundary is Loggerhead Inlet, and its 
southern Hatteras Inlet, and its sides are washed by the Atlantic Ocean 
and Pamlico Sound, respectively. Hatteras Inlet is the main entrance 
for vessels into Pamlico Sound. It is a narrow sheet of water, probably 
half a mile wide, connecting the ocean and sound. According to local 
testimony, it has not always been in its present location. 

In August, 1846, so goes the story, a terrific storm, with wind 
blowing from the sound, broke through the island at this point and 
formed the inlet. A bar runs across the mouth nearest the sound, 
which at low water cannot be crossed by vessels of heavy draught. The 
local name of the bar is the " Swash," and many were the trials and 
tribulations of the Federal navy in battling with the " Swash." 

Changes rapidly occur in the formation of Hatteras Island, thus 
confirming the story of the origin of the inlet. 

The Twentieth Indiana Regiment was sent to garrison Forts 
Hatteras and Clarke — two earthworks near the inlet — during the early 
fall of 1861, and it had a peculiarly rough experience. During this 
regiment's sojourn there a terrible storm swept down on this coast. The 
ocean and the sound met across the narrow sand spit, submerging the 
camp, drowning a number of the Indiana boys, and leaving the rest in 
a most miserable plight — without camp or garrison equipage, clothing 
or provisions. The Forty-eighth boys remember how the men looked 
on their return to Fortress Monroe to recuperate — woe-begone, utterly 
fagged out — only paralleled by the returning prisoners from Dixie's 
land. This storm formed a new inlet across the island, between Fort 
Hatteras and Fort Clarke, which at high tide was five or six feet deep 
in the shallowest places. In going to and fro between the two forts this 
inlet had to be waded, and it became a source of great annoyance. To 
get over the difficulty Company B's boys erected a pathway, or bridge, 
by standing flour barrels tilled with sand on end side by side, across the 
inlet. At low tide a dry walk was thus made, and a barrier was 

(22) 



23 

presented against which sand was washed by the action of the waves. In 
a few weeks the inlet was completely closed, and in three months no 
trace of its existence remained. 

No one would choose Hatteras Island at the inlet as a cheerful 
place to live ; not even for a seaside resort. 

The Schuylkill county boys, as they rattled down the 45° plank 
from the side of the " S. R. Spaulding " to the temporary wharf, missed 
the lovely wooded hills and grassy valleys of their charming mountain 
homes. No trees here, no bushes to relieve the dull monotony, not a 
spear of the sickliest looking shrub even, no green grass to gladden the 
eye, naught save sand and sea! Some jocose soldier suggested that it 
was the last spot made. The creation having been accomplished in a 
week, there had been no time to plant grass. 

Some five miles north of the inlet, however, scrub oak and holly 
trees abound, adding greatly to an endurable life on Hatteras, relieving 
the wearisomeness of sand and sea. These groves are filled with 
mocking birds, whose brilliant song in the early morning make up a 
reveille of rich, joyous trills of music, thus adding poetry and pleasure 
to a life on the bare old island. 

As stated, there were two large earthworks at Hatteras, named 
respectively Fort Hatteras and Fort Clarke. The first was built directly 
at the inlet, commanding the entrance from the ocean and from the 
sound, the latter fort, nearly half a mile north, commanding the ap- 
proaches from the ocean. These forts were built by the rebels to aid the 
English blockade runners in getting through the inlet with supplies of 
arms, ammunition and clothing for the Confederates. Fort Hatteras was 
the most pretentious and mounted ten guns. Fort Clarke was a square 
redoubt and mounted seven guns. Negroes were used in the construction 
of these fortifications. Large pieces of swamp sod, brought from the 
mainland, laid one above the other, and pinned fast by long wooden 
pegs, served the purpose. 

On the twenty-ninth of August, 1861, after two days of hard 
pounding. General B. F. Butler and Commodore Silas H. Stringham, 
with a combined force of land and naval troops, captured these forts. 
"No one of the fleet or army was in the least degree injured," said 
Butler in his report to General Wool. He added that the loss of the 
Confederates was " twelve or fifteen killed and thirty-five wounded." 

The loss of these forts proved a great blow to the rebels. In the 
hands of the Federals the trafiBc they had been built to protect was pre- 
vented, and a way was opened up for very important results, which 
speedily followed. 



24 

Hatteras Island was, and possibly still is, inhabited by a hardy, 
raw-boned, tough-looking people, with rough, weather-beaten counte- 
nances, and possessed of a good stock of native shrewdness. There are 
few deaths among them, the chief disease is consumption. Avoid this 
fell destroyer and the native lives to a ripe old age. The women are pale, 
frail, attenuated creatures, who apparently never grow old. Tradition 
has it that they gradually shrink up, and at some remote period are 
blown away. 

The men are ostensively pilots. Every house boasts its " lookout," 
an immense pole erected in the sand, upon which is nailed small pieces 
of wood, ladder-like. From these elevated perches observations are 
made for incoming vessels, in order to obtain work as pilots. Many 
are undoubtedly honest in this, but that there are men there who 
use their " lookouts " for an entirely different purpose, admits of no 
doubt. A free, uninterrupted view of the ocean is obtained. Approach- 
ing vessels can easily be observed. The coast is a treacherous one, the 
best possible for the work of wreckers, and in the use of decoy or false 
lights these worthies are well versed. Many of the stranded hulks with 
which this coast is strewn, owe their destruction to the action of bad 
men. 

A kind word must be said for some of the Hatteras people. But 
for the assiduous attention and warm-hearted, motherly nursing given to 
a number of very sick soldiers, by old widow Whitby, for instance, 
there would have been more burials in the old churchyard. She and 
her son, Jackson, and old colored help, Aunt Hester, are deserving of 
especial mention. The remembrance of their kindness redeems much 
of the ills incident to a sojourn on Hatteras, and for their sake, and for 
the sake of some others like them, a warm spot remains in the heart for 
this sandy, wind-racked, desolate old island. 

The dialect used by these people is difficult to describe. Once 
heard it is rarely forgotten and seldom successfully imitated. " Right 
smart," " aggravatin," " reckon," and the like, make up the greater part 
of the conversations. " Right smart of sweet potatoes in the ground, 
but it is aggravatin' to have the soldiers yank 'em out. Reckon you can't 
stop it." A peculiar characteristic of the ladies of Hatteras is the dread- 
ful habit of snulF-dipping, to which they are all, married and single, 
addicted. There's a grace about this habit that almost amounts to an 
art. A novice could not work the improvised brush with the skill of a 
native ; one must be born to it. The brush is a stick, cut at one end 
into fine splinters about an inch in length. This is dipped into the snuff, 
then rubbed on the teeth, after the manner of cleaning the teeth with a 



25 

tooth powder, but differing in that whilst the latter purifies and sweetens 
the mouth, the former befouls and blackens it most disgustingly. The 
female islander smokes also, and spits "just like a man." 

Every house on the island seems to have been built after the same 
model, by the same builder, and many hundred years ago. They are 
all old, nothing modern at all in their appearance, square in shape, one 
story high, with a porch sliced into one corner, without cellars ; not a 
house on the island enjoys this luxury, they cannot dig them ; there are 
no foundation walls, because there are no stones to make them. Piles 
or large props are driven into the sand, and upon these the houses are 
erected. Fine white sand is sprinkled over the board floor, and constant 
wear and friction produce white smooth floors. There are no plastered 
walls, although many of the houses have a lining of paper — newspapers 
of various colors and shapes, illustrated and otherwise. One old lady 
seemed especially struck with the chaste character of a highly colored 
picture she had adorning her walls, representing a spirited contest 
between Heenau and Sayres. Quite a number of houses have a 
" grandfather's clock " ticking in the corner, or back of the door. The 
display of furniture is not extensive — indeed, it is generally scarce ; 
pieces of wrecks and ship stock have to answer the purpose. The staple 
articles of food are fish and sweet potatoes. Corn, pigs and poultry are 
raised by some. Garden cultivation is very primitive and exceedingly 
careless. Some miserable oysters can be obtained, and an occasional 
opossum. All the sugar, coffee, tea and molasses used by the natives 
come from wrecks. They are a religious people, in their own peculiar 
way, vigorous in attendance at divine service, and any infringement of 
the local laws is tried and punished in the church. If their stock of 
provisions be short, they think it right and proper to pray that the coast 
may be strewn with wrecks laden wiih the kind of provisions most 
needed. So the ill fortune of the hapless bark becomes the good fortune 
of the devout islanders — another exemplification of the old Dutchman's 
saying : " Vat's one man's loss is annunderer man's gain." 

Some six miles up the island from the inlet is an old Methodist meet- 
ing house, a plain frame building, built without special architectural 
features, no display of taste or beauty, but simple, homely, and 
for use. 

The windows are irregular in size — placed here and there in the 
side of the building without the least regard to symmetry or order ; 
plain wooden benches on the inside, a single rail for a back, which rail 
is so nicely adjusted that it catches the sitter just back of the neck. 
Directly opposite the meeting house is an old graveyard, wherein 



26 

reposes the dust (if it is dust) of the ancient Hatterasins ; a lonely old 
place, with some curious inscriptions on its tombstones. Here's one as 
a sample. 

In memory of 
Thos. Austin. Died 1845. Aged 70 years. 
Thos. Austin. Was. His. Name. 
Heaven. I. Hope. His. Station, 
Hatteras. Was. His. Dwelling. 
Place. And. Christ. Was. His. Sal- 
vation. Now. He. Is. Dead. And. 
Buried. All. His. Bones. Are. Rot- 
ten. Remember. Him. When. This. 
You. See. Least. He. Should. Be. 
Forgotten. 

The author of that epitaph was not familiar with the peculiar vir- 
tues of that old burying ground. Thomas, rest in peace ; your bones 
are not all rotten, old boy — oh, no ; listen ! 

Diehl, of Company G, was buried in this graveyard. The au- 
thorities refused permission to send his body home. It is not the mere 
burying that makes the soldier's funeral so inexpressibly solemn, it is the 
thought that there is no one near to mourn for him ; none but the moan- 
ing wind and the ever roaring surf. It was a doleful funeral, tramping 
through the sand, up the island to this old graveyard. Digging the 
grave was not difficult. It was tedious to make it as deep as it should 
be. Two feet below the surface developed water, and the balance of the 
depth attained was through a constantly increasing volume of water. 
The coffin was lowered into the grave, and by the aid of sticks was 
pushed down under the water and held there until a sufficient quantity 
of the wet, sandy soil had been thrown upon it to prevent it from float- 
ing. Diehl was buried in December. The following May his body 
was disinterred, placed in a lead coffin, and sent North. But what a 
metamorphosis had taken place in the short time it had lain in this old 
graveyard. Through some chemical action the work of petrifaction 
had begun, the forehead had already turned to stone. A longer stay 
in the grave would have undoubtedly completed the change. This in- 
cident causes doubt as to the " dust " of the old Hatteras folks reposing 
in this out-of-the-way graveyard, probably they are all stone statues, as 
it were. Had it been supposed that this was the case with the bodies 
silently resting here it would not have been remarkable, judging from 
the known tendency of some of the sojourners on Hatteras for practical 
jokes, to have discovered, on most any bright morning, all the old 



Ti 



•worthies unearthed from their salt, sandy, wet bed, and standing up as 
guardians over the places so long occupied by them. 

It may not be generally known, but it is nevertheless a fact, that the 
people of Hatteras, Hyde County, North Carolina, set up a state govern- 
ment of their own during the war, utterly repudiating the Confederacy 
and avowing their firm devotion to and entire faith in the United States 
of America. 

They met in convention at Hatteras and formally prepared and 
issued a " Declaration against the Confederate Government." 

This high-sounding and pretentious document was nicely printed 
by a New York firm, on a large sheet of paper, enclosed in a colored 
border consisting of folded Union flags, and was sold to the patriotic 
and curious for the small sum of twenty-five cents, a sort of taxation 
imposed by the new State Government for the purpose of revenue. One 
of these papers is now in the possession of the Pennsylvania Historical 
Society. It was originally presented to the writer by Governor Taylor, 
personally. 

Under this " Declaration " an election was held for governor, and 
the Rev. Marble Nash Taylor was elected to this high and responsible 
position. Governor Taylor resided on Hatteras. He was the minister 
in charge of the religious instruction for the entire community, and 
regularly expounded the gospel to them in the old frame church here- 
tofore alluded to. 

He was a gentlemanly looking man, very affable in manners, quite 
an interesting conversationalist, an avowed Unionist, and strongly in 
favor of cutting Hatteras loose from the government of the mainland. 
In this particular he was in favor of secession. His wife was a pleasant, 
agreeable lady, who enjoyed the enviable (in the eyes of the island 
belles) distinction of being the only lady in that region who could 
boast of a genuine hooped skirt. This article of female apparel, by the 
way, met with much opposition from the other of the frail sex of this 
section of the country. Some of the younger ones also cried out against 
the innovation, but by far the greater number of the girls envied the 
possessor, and went so far as to manufacture them out of green briars ; 
all of which information is not gathered from personal observation, but 
is based entirely upon hearsay evidence. 

Hatteras remains comparatively unknown, at least uncared for. An 
occasional wreck brings up the name. The ocean trade of Albemarle 
Sound cannot be had without passing over the " Swash " in the inlet, 
but who gives a thought to the rugged people living a lifetime on this 
barren spot? 



28 

What does the world know of them, or what does it care ? Thfe 
accident of war introduced their mode of living, their characteristics 
and their oddities. In the days of peace they will live on in the old 
routine, unthought of in their dreary, out-of-the-waj nook. 

Yet, with all its ills of winds, sands, barrenness and utter desolate lone- 
liness, the several months spent upon its lone, bleak shores are treasured 
up in memory's storehouse as a pleasant page in life's history. Many 
and many a time subsequently, the barrack life of Hatteras was longed 
for in preference to Virginia mud or Tennessee itch. 

The morning of November 12, 1861, saw the members of the 
Forty-eighth Regiment Pennsylvania Volunteers descending, one at a 
time, a plank at an angle of 45°, reaching from the old steamer " S. R. 
Spauldiug's" side, to a floating wharf, within a few yards of Fort 
Hatteras, and taking up the line of march for Fort Clarke. The wad- 
ing of the temporary inlet between the two forts added to the discom- 
forts of the trip. 

At Fort Clarke some of the companies occupied tents, others pre- 
ferring the old wooden barracks erected by former occupants, vulgarly 
but suggestively named " Camp Louse," 

Here the regiment settled, literally away from the rest of the world ; 
left exposed to all the ills incident to such an inhospitable coast, and 
what was thought to be worse, the tender mercies of General Thomas 
Williams, with whom the boys felt disposed to quarrel the second day 
on Hatteras. 

Generally it was not a difficult matter for a soldier to pitch a tent. 
It would not have been difficult at Hatteras if the wind could have been 
subdued. Wind ! Speaking of wind, do you remember how the wind 
blew at Hatteras? What a dreadful draft it was ! Hark ! its snapping 
the tent-fly now. It is a mighty, rushing torrent of air, sweeping con- 
tinuously in furious blasts, with irresistible force— keen, sharp, penetrat- 
ing, unrelenting in its terrific power, unabating in its fury— driving the 
sand into mouth, nose, eyes, ears and hair. 'Twas such a wind greeted 
the pitching of the tents around Fort Clarke. The more the boys*tugged 
and pulled to keep the tents upright, the more the wind seemed to howl, 
" You can't ! you shan't ! " then it would come along with such a whack 
that every muscle had to be strained to keep the tent in place. Under 
these circumstances the ordinary Yankee got his blood up, and wind or 
no wind the tents had to go up, and at last, at last, they were secured. 
It was night, however, and an early retirement after the day's hard labor 
was deemed advisable. To the sound of the flip, flap, flopping of the 
tent-flys, and ever roaring of the breakers, forgetfulness crept over the 



29 

camp as each tent lodger snoozed calmly as a summer morn, when flop, 
whiz-z-z the corner of the tent blew up ! Misplaced confidence in a 
sweetheart teaches the lover to sigh at the fickleness of woman, but, oh I 
to have a tent prove false upon " a lone, barren isle," and, in the midst 
of a terrific rain storm, be obliged to face a Hatteras wind, with scant 
protection against its fury, frantically holding fast to the frail canvas 
house, waiting for a lull in the blast (vain hope) to afford an opportunity 
to repeg, is so overpoweringly harrowing to the feelings, and so indescrib- 
ably uncomfortable, that it is only those who actually experienced it 
who fully understand its supreme misery, 

" Misery loves company," so the feelings were somewhat soothed by 
hearing all about in the darkness, fellow soldiers engaged in the same 
delightful occupation, growling, grumbling, and — yes, they went the 
whole figure — swearing at the blasts of Hatteras ; whilst a comfortable 
barrack lodger, with his mouth at a convenient crack between the 
boards of his hut, propounded the never-to-be-forgotten, " who wouldn't 
be a soldier." 

The writer's old tent-mate, good-natured " Cy," now of the Ex- 
cJiange, Pottsville, comfortably rolled up in his blanket on a bunk, 
heard the writer's side of the tent fly up, and when called on for help, 
answered, " Every fellow fix his own side." The difiiculty was conquered 
alone, and the next half hour or more was thoroughly enjoyed listen- 
ing to " Cy " tugging, and pounding, and sweating to get his side of the 
tent to rights, it having broken loose far worse than the other. Captain 
Philip Nagle and the writer spent nearly all of one night on the inside 
of the tent, holding it down by bearing on spades, so placed as to force 
the canvas into the sand, to prevent it from taking a voyage on the 
Atlantic. It is very well to talk and laugh about it these many years 
after, but there wasn't any poetry in its realization. 

An amusing pastime consisted of a trap for the unwary soldier. A 
hole dug into the sand soon developed water. This hole, covered over 
with light sticks, and the sticks in their turn covered over with dry 
sand, left no sign of the pitfall beneath. The victim was inveigled to 
the spot, and without the slightest warning, one foot would suddenly 
disappear below the surface and a wet foot and leg would be the result. 
Tableaux. These pitfalls were scattered all about, causing unexpected 
disasters continually, at the most inopportune times. An unfortunate 
corporal of a fatigue squad fell into one of these traps with both legs, 
knee high, causing much amusement to his squad. 

It was here the Forty-eighth received its lessons in the school of 
the soldier, company and battalion. 



30 

The post was commanded by the veteran, Brigadier General 
Thomas Williams, U. S. A., and those who had the experience of serving 
under him, well remember his severe discipline. There probably was 
no one man ever more heartily hated than this same General Williams 
by the members of the Forty-eighth. He was abused roundly every 
day for his tyrannical orders, rigid discipline, frequent calls for duty, 
severe guard regulations, excessive drills, thorough inspections, and the 
like. He issued an order depriving the regiment of the every day use 
of its flags. This seemed so harsh and uncalled for that all the de- 
nunciatory terms in the dictionary were poured upon his head. When 
least expected he would turn up, and woe betide the soldier found 
derelict. It is easy to remember the constant vigilance of the old 
General as he paced the front of his quarters, one hand supporting his 
coat-tail, the other twirling his stiff, wiry moustache, whilst his watchful 
eyes would detect a slonchy sentinel, and then, "Orderly, send the 
officer of the guard to me." 

The senior captain of the Forty-eighth, making his report as officer 
of the day, with his arms folded majestically across his breast, broke 
down in the middle of his narration by General Williams' peremptory 
order, " Put down your hands, sir ! " Down they dropped, little lingers 
on the seam of the trousers. Seven days after arriving at Hatteras, 
whilst enjoying the ills of the island to its full extent, at Fort Clarke, 
a review of the regiment was ordered. As the manoeuvring had to be 
made in sand ankle deep, it was . a rather laborious undertaking, 
especially as the General required the review to be in heavy marching 
order. The eighth corporal of " G " was a stout little fellow, noted for 
carrying the largest and fullest knapsack in the regiment. He bore the 
marching in review at common time, and then at quick time with some 
equanimity, but when the order came to " Pass in review, double quick 
time," his patience was exhausted, and as he trotted with gun at a 
" right shoulder shift," his left arm supporting his great knapsack, he 
gave vent to his feelings at every step, by hissing through his closed 
teeth, " White-livered — — ," " white-livered 



The General bad few friends those early days on Hatteras, but as 
the weeks went by each day developed the fact that beneath the rough 
exterior and austere demeanor, beat a heart of true devotion to the old 
flag, a heart overflowing with love and I'egard for his soldiers. His 
strict discipline made the regiment a body of well-trained soldiers. Re- 
vering the flag with a feeling akin to holy awe, he sought to inculcate 
the same reverential feeling in the men, and whenever the standard was 



31 

brought out the ceremonies attending its reception were of the most 
dignified and lofty character. 

When he received his orders to proceed to Ship Island, the writer 
happened to be standing beside him on the ramparts of Fort Hatteras, 
"What," he exclaimed, "am I to go there and leave all these noble 
boys? What shall I do without them?" He was a true man and 
thorough soldier, and died where such a veteran would wish to die — on 
the field — at the battle of Baton Rouge, Miss. As the colonel of the 
Twenty-first Indiana was being borne severely wounded, from the front. 
General Williams rode up to that regiment and said : " Boys, your 
field officers are all gone; I will lead you." Almost immediately aftei-- 
ward a rifle bullet pierced his chest, and he fell a corpse. 

The War of the Rebellion brought so many men into prominence 
through great deeds, grandly accomplished, that there is danger of for- 
getting the patient, earnest, loyal soldiery of the regular army, whose 
trained officers did so much as schoolmasters in bringing the raw 
material, gathered from all over the North, into shape for such stern 
work as war. 

General Williams was one of these, and he deserves a place upon 
the same plane with the most honored heroes of the great struggle. 

The life of the Forty-eighth on Hatteras is so suggestive of scene 
and incident, that it is difficult to know just what reminiscences to relate, 
and what had best be left unrecorded. The inhabitants we became 
more or less intimate with — the Fulchers, the Austins, the Fosters, the 
Tolstons, the Whitbys, etc., much could be written of each. Do you recall 
the sight of two buggies, drawn by the runtiest of Hatteras horses, with 
rope harness, driven by two of the Forty-eighth officers, the charming 
Fulcher girls their companions ? 

Who forgets old Caleb Stowe, that shrewd old customer, who De- 
vine, of " F," sold a barrel of whiskey to ? Salt water, every bit of it, 
with the bung liberally sprinkled with " commissary," obtained from a can 
of Isaac Lipmann's oysters. Harry Jackson, on Hatteras, orderly 
sergeant of " G," afterward second lieutenant, now sleeping in the 
National cemetery, at Fredericksburg, having been killed at Spottsyl- 
vania, made a number of sketches on Hatteras life, and this is what he 
wrote of old Stowe : 

" ' Old Stowe ' is an institution on Hatteras. He owns several 
schooners, canoes, and all sorts of shallow water craft. His schooners 
trade in peace times, even as far as New York, taking naval stores and 
bringing back dry goods, groceries, etc. The old man is a Unionist, 
nominally, like all the islanders, though it is not at all improbable that 



32 

the ' almigbty dollar ' is of more importance in his eyes than the Union. 
In other words, while professing loyalty, he would not be willing to 
make any sacrifices for the cause. Such a loyal man is as mean as a 
rebel. Old Stowe is hard of hearing, and it is a treat to'hear him in 
conversation with some of the boys. Sometimes they may be seen 
actually holding fast to the fence while they strained their vocal organs 
to their utmost tension to make him even dimly comprehend what they 
were saying. 

" ' Can we have your canoe to go up to Trent ? ' asks one of the 
Forty-eighth who wants to attend a molasses-boiling at that famous 
settlement. ' Don't hear,' says the old man. If your voice was as loud 
and sonorous as that of heaven's artillery, he would say ' don't hear ' 
to your first remark. You raise your voice to a much higher pitch ; he 
advances, elevates his eyebrow?, opens his mouth and pricks up his ears. 
You repeat the question, elevating your voice to a pitch absolutely 
deafening. He approaches a little nearer to you, throws out his chin, 
opens his mouth a little wider, brings his right hand up to his right ear, 
and ejaculates, ' How ? ' 

" With the energy of despair you summon all your physical and 
mental powers for a final effort ; you grasp the door post, and bringing 
the whole reserve force of your lungs into action, yell out your question 
in a voice that shakes the very windows, and would be suflBcient to wake 
the seven sleepers. He smiles, his features resume their wonted appear- 
ance, he hears. If he is in a good humor he lends you a boat. You 
thank him by pantomime and retire. The boys say that if you have 
some money to give him his auricular organs are much more acute in 
their perception." 

The town of Trent is mentioned in this sketch and in the one 
following. This is rather an illusiouary settlement, supposed to be some 
nine miles above the inlet. Any one going up the island went to Trent, 
whether they traveled nine or twenty miles, its exact location has never 
been satisfactorily ascertained. 

The lamented Jackson so aptly describes a famous Hatteras insti- 
tution, frequently indulged in at Trent, that it is introduced : 

" Confidentially, now, wasn't that a ' gay ' visit of Jim Chadwick's 
and mine to Trent in search of a molasses-boiling party ? The evening 
was moonlight ; it was 10 p. m,, an hour or two after the usual bed- 
time — but we couldn't sleep — and there was to be a pulling party at 
Trent. So we got past the guard, cabbaged a canoe, and with a couple 
of poles, * poled ' ourselves to where we thought we were opposite that 
famous localitv. 



33 

"On landing, we found ourselves in a swamp, a Hatteras swamp; 
but nothing daunted we waded through it, found the road, and also dis- 
covered the interesting fact that we were about a mile and a half from 
Trent. Still in the best of spirits we made our way to Trent on foot. 
' Hush ! ' said Chadwick, after we had passed two or three houses, and 
the sweet, cracked music of half a dozen frail female voices was borne 
upon the gentle wind. Of course we struck for the music. We were 
not much surprised to find two other members of Company G there, 
besides us, to say nothing of other soldiers, particularly of Company K, 
who were great favorites at Trent. 

" Had we an invitation, did you say ? Not a bit of it, for you must 
remember that it is not according to the etiquette of Hatteras to give, 
or at least to require, invitations. Everybody is expected to know 
whether he or she is welcome or not and to act accordingly. But we 
wanted to see a molasses-boiling, and ' went in ' — considering ourselves 
welcome, of course, and there, sure enough, were the girls, done up in 
their prettiest, and there were a couple of old women and several chil- 
dren, and the ' old man of the house,' all gathered up in the two 
corners, on either side of the chimney, and there was an industrious 
young lady stirring a kettle of ' mozy.' One or two of the boldest of 
the young islanders were inside making themselves agreeable to the 
ladies, whilst a greater number loitered about the door or lounged on 
the porch. I was graciously permitted to dry my feet at the fire, 
sitting next to the young lady stirring the ' mozy.' The rest of the 
boys were arranged artistically in various positions, inside and out- 
side of the house, and things were going on in an astonishingly grati- 
fying way. 

" The molasses was discovered to be boiled enough and taken out 
to cool. It did not return immediately, it did not return for some time, 
in fact, it did not return at all, and there was a bustling and whispering 
among the ladies and the islanders. All up ! The molasses had been 
taken to some other house, and the islander portion of the party, which 
means the whole party, had ' skedaddled.' The reason of their * taking- 
ofF' was that there were too many soldiers present. 

" I won't stop to analyze my feelings, it would be too great a task ; 
nor to tell the very interesting story of how we got back to camp again. 
Suffice it that we got there in time to creep into our bunks before 
reveille, so that scarcely anyone knew we had been absent, and we our- 
selves would willingly have banished the memory of our inglorious retreat 
from our minds. Disgusted ! did you say ? Not a bit of it, for has not 
this incident afforded opportunity for jotting down a Hatteras oddity." 



34 

Cape Hatteras sticks its nose out into the Atlantic Ocean with such 
pertinacity and viciousness that mariners dread being in its proximity, 
and give it a wide berth at the least approach of rough weather. 

This is the most easterly point of the United States, south of the 
Delaware Capes. Upon this uninviting spot stands one of the most 
necessary lighthouses the government has ever erected. It is furnished 
with the best light science has yet conceived for the purpose. The 
nearness of the warm gulf stream, about twenty miles, and cooling 
effects of the land, cause frequent commotions in the atmosphere 
occasioning violent storms. 

With the wind blowing only a moderately stiff breeze, the writer 
started with Lieutenant Sheetz and Sergeant Dick Jones, on the twenty- 
fifth of February, 1862, to visit this lighthouse, an effort requiring ten 
miles tramping in heavy sand to and ten miles back again. 

We left camp at 7.30 in the morning and reached the summit of 
the lighthouse at 11 o'clock, just three and one-half hours. The light- 
house was plainly visible from the start. It seemed to recede as we ad- 
vanced, all efforts to get nearer were apparently unavailing. Trudge, 
trudge, trudge ; no use. Not an inch gained. This was unaccountable. 
On and on, when hope almost failed, and suddenly it seemed to stop out 
of pure good nature, and we reached it. 

The walk was really very interesting, notwithstanding its disad- 
vantages. Fragments of noble vessels stranded on these uncertain shores 
lie scattered everywhere. Could each wreck its tale of sorrow unfold, 
what a volume of horrors would be thus disclosed. Could the beach at 
Hatteras speak, how sell-condemning the confession. 

Thousands of beautiful shells, from the tiniest mussel to the 
largest conch, are showered over the beach, seemingly never ending in 
variety, both as to colors and shape. Curious to watch the sagacity of 
the little sand snipes as they search for mussels along the water's edge. 
When a great wave would break in upon the shore, these little creatures 
would run back, or if the wave came too strong would take to the wing 
and fly, but the moment it receded they would dart back after it, in a 
lono- row, keeping along the edge of the wave, bobbing down their beaks 
for the coveted treasures, that sank into the sand as rapidly as the wave 
disappeared. Thus, for miles, they follow up the waves, always in 
single file and always on the run, eluding the advancing waters with the 
most astonishing dexterity, and immediately as the wave again receded, 
hovering around its edge. 

Some distance out, sporting amidst the waves, are immense schools 
of porpoises, rolling about, at times close into shore, all going in the 



35 

same direction, either north or south, they look for all the world, with 
their sharp fins shooting up out of the water, like so many knotted logs 
bobbing up and down. 

At several points along the shore are rude structures, very much 
dilapidated during the war times, where, before the conflict, the islanders 
manufactured oil — porpoise oil — and all around the sheds lie the bleach- 
ing skeletons of these ungainly animals. The remains of sharks, whales, 
cuttle-fish, and almost every species of oceanic inhabitants can be seen 
at nearly every step, and in great enough variety to give fresh interest 
to the curiosity seeker, and to while away the weary monotony of sand 
tramping. 

At last the lighthouse was reached. There! cold, silent and 
alone, stood the home that held the beacon signal to warn the mariner 
of the treacherous coast — a monument of the bitterness of civil 
war. The spirit that raised its hand against the "Star Spangled 
Banner," obliterated the light from Hatteras lighthouse, and left the 
storm-tossed vessel to the awful mercy of the most dangerous coast of 
America. 

Entering the large door at the base of the column and ascending 
one hundred and thirty steps, the summit is reached, when a scene of 
great grandeur bursts upon the sight. An uninterrupted view is ob- 
tained for miles — north, south, east and west. The shipping at Hatteras 
Inlet, fifteen miles to the south, could be distinctly seen. Lieutenant Jack- 
son, heretofore quoted, was moved to write of this view, thus : " Standing 
there upon the summit floor of the immense tower, and looking through 
the cylinder of heavy glass plate that forms the upper portion of the 
lighthouse, through which the lights were to shine that guided the 
storm-tossed mariner, we beheld with bated breath a scene which for 
dreary, solemn grandeur can scarcely be equaled — the strong, fierce, 
howling wind, the drifting sheets of sand, the long line of gray, bald, 
desolate beach, stinted trees and wind-racked houses, and beyond these 
the magnificent breakers, frothing and white, rolling, plunging and 
roaring with a deep, continuous and indescribable solemn roar, that even 
the wild bowlings of the hurricane could not down — all these, as the 
trembUng lighthouse shook before the terrible force of the wind, filled 
us with a feeling of awe ! " 

Innumerable the thoughts that crowd upon the mind as one 
stands gazing from the lofty height. Imagination depicts the strained 
and doomed vessel, buffeted about upon the waves and vainly striving 
to avoid the remorseless breakers, cautioned by the hght that used to 
here revolve. Now, alas, blotted out by the spirit of hate. A mighty 



36 

stretch of the Atlantic Ocean spreads to the dim horizon, ever rolling 
and heaving in unwearied restlessness. 

Then is pictured the old lightkeeper wending his way up the wind- 
ing steps, to light the lamp whose rays glanced afar o'er the " weary 
waste of water," the solitary nature of his vocation, occupy the 
thoughts, and turning, gazing downward, the eye rests upon his old 
homestead, so far below, so cheerless in its abandonment, on the barren 
sands, deserted. 

The lighthouse is built of brick and stone, and is about one hun- 
dred and fifty feet high. The light had been a revolving one, manu- 
factured in Paris. The maker's name was found on a part of the 
machinery that remained : " Henry Lepaute-Rue St. Honore' N247 A 
Paris." 

A door leads from the summit floor out onto a platform running 
around the top. Notwithstanding a protecting iron railing it is rather 
venturesome for one unaccustomed to so dizzy a height and such terrific 
winds to promenade on this platform, the rolling waves below, and uneasy 
shaking of the lighthouse, render it far from an easy task. 

At this lofty elevation the lunch prepared before starting was eaten 
and writing our names at as high a point as could be reached, descended 
the one hundred and thirty steps, and began the journey back to camp. 
On the way we fell in with one of the islanders, who had been having 
an unsuccessful hunt for wild geese. Traveling on and on, growing 
more and more tired at every step, we contemplated bunking out for the 
night and resuming the tramp the next day, but our island friend 
buoyed us up with the hope of securing a boatman to take us back 
down the sound. With this in view we left the shore and turned 
into the woods and soon met the very man we wanted, but alas, his 
canoe (or " kennew," as he called it) was three miles away. We were 
assured that if we could find Ben Tolston he'd surely " carry us down." 
" The first white house was Ben's." The first house we reached was 
far from white. No one home there. The next was Foster's ; he was 
away. An old lady said it was a " mighty little distance to Ben 
Tolston, to turn oflf*at the first potato patch." We followed directions to 
the letter and found our man. He was at dinner and agreed to take us 
down in his " yawl," provided we waited until he had finished his dinner 
and the women folks had got some dinner for us. Flitch, fried eggs, 
corn bread and coflfee (burnt beans), was soon set before us, to which 
we did full justice. We oflTered to pay for our meal, but no, anything 
we wanted, anything to eat, just give them a call and we were welcome 
to the best they had. Contributions to the children followed, and at 4 



37 

o'clock we set sail for camp, where we arrived in time for dress parade, 
a thoroughly played out party. A quarter apiece paid Ben, and we 
turned in to recuperate. 

Hatteras has its beauties. The grand old Atlantic dashes its 
waves on the dreary, lonely beach — the long line of frothing, roaring 
breakers, as far as the eye can reach, so beautifully snow white, yet so 
fearful in their grandeur. Here they come, rolling, rolling smoothly 
along until the rising ground retards them, when they ripple as though 
irritated ; then, at being further impeded in their progress, foam with 
increasing wrath, with the roar of a thousand Niagaras ; then, with one 
last grand effort dash upon the shore with bitter, terrible fury, seeming 
bent on spending their wasting strength in overcoming the resistance 
offered to their advancement. 

Who tires of gazing on the glassy waves as they shape themselves 
in myriad forms of beauty ? When old Ocean rouses in his anger be- 
fore the howling blast, how fearfully sublime they then become, rising 
higher, and higher, and higher, madly foaming on the beach, till lost in 
wonder at the grandeur of the same, the head bows in reverence before 
the mighty architect, who holds them in the hollow of His hand. 

Such are the everyday sights at Hatteras, still there is no sameness. 
Endless the variety of ocean scenery, each day developing some new and 
heretofore unseen beauty. 

More could be said of the Forty-eighth's sojourn on this island, the 
comrades' adventures thereon, the various dwellers, the Fulchers, the 
Austins, the Fosters, the Tolstons, the Whitby s, the mention of whose 
names will undoubtedly recall incidents forgotten. 

Ijippman's sutler establishment became quite an institution, and he ^ 
secured a lively trade with the islanders. His canned oysters were re- 
markable bivalves ; their sale was spirited to a degree, the effect upon 
the purchaser decidedly exhilarating. Devine, of " F," used a can of 
Isaac's oysters over the bung of the barrel of salt water he sold to Old 
Stowe. 

Roanoke Island had been captured, an expedition against Newbern 
was in progress, the time had arrived for the departure of the Forty- 
eighth Regiment from Hatteras. 

The regiment's sojourn there was a fortunate circumstance ; it became 
its school-house. Little versed in war, here, under the able command 
of that veteran disciplinarian. General Thomas Williams, it became 
well drilled and well disciplined, fitted for the stern career it was 
destined to pursue. 



CHAPTER III. 



NEWBERN. 

Upon the eleventh of March, 1862, Colonel Nagle received an 
order from General Burnside to have six companies of the Forty-eighth 
leave Hatteras at once, to accompany the fleet upon its expedition against 
Newbern. 

Companies A, B, C, D, H and I were detailed for the purpose ; 
the other four companies, E, F, G and K, were directed to remain at 
Hatteras, on garrison duty, and placed under command of Captain 
William Winlack, of Company E, until the return of Major Daniel 
Nagle, who was home on a leave of absence. The feeling amongst the 
men of the four companies left behind was one of chagrin. Knowing 
that an engagemeat was pending, they desired to take part in it 
with the rest of the regiment, but only six could go, so four had to 
remain. 

Quartermaster Ellis was also detained at Hatteras ; he was the 
Post Quartermaster, and could not be relieved. This necessitated the 
appointment of a temporary quartermaster for the regiment, and in 
order to retain all the officers of the line accompanying the expedition 
with their companies. Colonel Nagle selected Lieutenant Bosbyshell, 
of Company G, as the " Acting Quartermaster for the detachment about 
joining the expedition," his company being one of the four remaining at 
Hatteras. 

At 6 o'clock on the morning of the twelfth the regiment was formed 
upon the parade ground at Camp Winfield, when the detachment 
moved out of the line, and amid the shouts of E, F, G and K, took 
up its march to Hatteras Inlet. The large side wheel steamboat, 
" George Peabody," had been selected to transport the regiment. When 
the command reached the wharf that vessel was discovered hard aground 
on the " swash." A bivouac on the shore was ordered. Here was an 
excellent opportunity for the whiskey dealers, abounding on the water 
craft crowding the inlet ; so during the day many small boats contain- 
ing the vendors made frequent trips to the shore and a brisk business 
was opened along the coast. The result of this occasioned the only 
serious disturbance of the kind ever happening the regiment. The 

(38) 



39 

orgies almost created a riot. The horrible scenes enacted in the " Hotel 
d'Afrique," in the midst of which poor, inoffensive old Galloway, 
the Colonel's servant, lost his life, is a sad page of the regiment's 
history. 

The morning of the thirteenth found the " Peabody " afloat and 
the preparations for embarking immediately began. Tugs, surf boats, 
and the schooner, " Henry W. Johnson," were put into requisition to 
carry the regiment over the "swash." Being thus quickly placed aboard 
the steamboat, she, with the schooner and surf boats in tow, was soon 
moving nicely through the waters of Pamlico Sound, heading for New- 
bern. 

Toward evening rain commenced falling and the fog thickened so 
rapidly that it was decided unsafe to proceed further, so the anchor was 
dropped in the Neuse River, some seventeen miles below Newbern, and 
half a mile in rear of the rest of the fleet. 

General Burnside's plan for the reduction of Newbern, was similar 
in many respects to his attack on Roanoke Island. By a simultaneous 
movement upon the enemy by land and water, he hoped to carry their 
strong defensive works. 

In furtherance of this plan his fleet of gunboats and transports left 
Roanoke Island, the former in the lead, and by the thirteenth of March 
his transports came to anchor in the Neuse River, near the mouth of 
Slocum's Creek, the point determined upon to land the troops, about 
fifteen miles from Newbern. The gunboats were some distance in the 
advance, shelling the woods along the river banks. At 8 o'clock in the 
morning, thirteenth of March, 1862, the signal being given by a ser- 
geant and file of men of the Fifty-first Pennsylvania Volunteers, plant- 
ing a flag on the shore, the troops commenced disembarking. The water 
was so shallow that the boats ran aground before reaching the land, and 
the men were obliged to wade some distance. Wet and muddy they 
finally all got ashore, and the muddy march towards Newbern began, 
the Twenty-fourth Massachusetts acting as skirmishers. The enemy 
abandoned all their outer defensive works, and concentrated their 
entire strength within their strongest fine of entrenchments, five 
miles from Newbern. This line was reached by the Union troops on 
the night of the thirteenth ; the attack was postponed until the fol- 
lowing morning. 

As defensive works this line was probably one of the best of its 
kind erected during the war. The Neuse River on the left was block- 
aded with sunken ships, iron pikes, chains and torpedoes, to prevent the 
approach of gunboats. The gunboats were also covered by the heavy 



40 

guns of Fort Thompson, a fort erected on the river bank mounting 
thirteen large guns, and forming the extreme left of the rebels' line. 
Kuuning back perpendicularly from the river to the embankment of the 
railroad from Morehead City to Goldsboro, were breastworks sufficiently 
strong to resist heavy artillery, and high enough amply to protect the 
rebel troops from rifle firing. From the railroad bank, in continuation 
of the line, a series of connected rifle pits and earth works for field 
pieces, ran to an impenetrable swamp, which was parallel with the river. 
Stretching then from the river to the swamp was a continuous line, a 
mile and a half in length, of heavy entrenchment, rifle pits and redans, 
the whole front swept by enfilading guns of heavy calibre from Fort 
Thompson, the thirteen-gun fort on the river. 

Along the entire front of this line, for probably half a mile, the trees 
were felled and every possible obstruction placed to prevent the troops 
getting through, whilst in front of the rifle pits beyond the railroad, besides 
the felled timber, an ugly swamp hindered the approaches. Behind this 
strongly fortified position the rebels confidently awaited the attack. 

Early on the morning of the fourteenth, Burnside fiercely assailed 
the entire line, with three brigades, commanded respectively by Generals 
Foster, Reno and Parke. Foster had the right with his centre on the 
wagon road, Parke the centre, taking in the railroad, and Reno that 
portion opposite the rifle pits on the left. It was success or capture with 
Burnside's forces. Every man he had was in the fight. He had no 
reserves. His troops felt the enthusiasm of their leader, and never 
dreamed of anything but victory. None doubted the result. The fleet 
of gunboats opened promptly upon the shore batteries, and threw shells 
over the heads of the attacking troops into the rebel lines, aiding most 
valiantly in the final defeat. The confidence of the troops never faltered. 
The impetuosity of the attack, and the dread of Burnside's prestige by 
the enemy, were also powerful adjuncts to success. The rain and the fog 
aided in making uncertain the numbers of the assaulting parly. The 
fight become terrible along the whole line. Suddenly Lieutenant-Colonel 
Clark, with a few men of the Twenty -first Massachusetts, found them- 
selves within the enemj'^'s lines at the railroad, much to their own and 
the rebel's astonishment. Before they had time to recover from this 
startling apparition, and capture Clark and his party, he and his men 
returned safely to their regiment. The weak point had, however, been 
thus accidentally developed, and Colonel Rodman, of the Fourth Rhode 
Island, immediately ordered his regiment to charge, sending word to 
General Parke his action. Subsequent events justified this responsibility ; 
a defeat at Newbern would have cost Rodman his sword ! 



41 

The l)rave Fourth Rhode Island gallantly charged, and pierced 
the enemy's line at the railroad. Seeing the charge, Foster and Reno 
ordered their troops forward, and the men bore down with lively cheers, 
putting the rebel forces completely to rout, capturing all their camp, 
quartermaster, commissary and ordnance stores, the latter including 
three batteries of splendid field artillery, and all their shore batteries, 
making in all some sixty-nine guns. The enemy held out longer on 
the right of their line, in their strongly entrenched positions in the 
rifle pits and redoubts, but Reno's forces, with Parke charging them 
persistently, compelled them to fly, leaving about five hundred prisoners 
in the hands of the Union troops. A convenient railroad train con- 
veyed away most of the fleeing rebels. 

Burnside immediately pursued the retreating enemy, pressing them 
so closely that the capture of all of them was only prevented by their 
flight over the Trent River, and destruction of the two bridges crossing 
that stream. As it was, Foster's brigade was thrown across the river 
before night, and the occupation of Newbern was complete. 

The battle of Newbern was one of the pluckiest fights of the war. 
It was a two-and-a-half hours' desperate conflict, principally fought by 
the musket and bayonet. The gunboats were powerful auxiliaries, but 
the brunt of the fight was borne by the land troops. No field artillery 
was used. A few guns brought ashore from the boats, were, it is true, 
gallantly handled, and brave old Captain Bennett, of the " Cossack," 
pushed his brass howitzer directly to the front and fought it nobly — still 
it can hardly be said that light artillery entered in any way efi'ectively into 
the fight. To the infantry peculiarly belongs the praise. Hard, down- 
right pluck and courage carried the day. It was a bold attack, and its 
boldness made it strong. From their own accounts, the rebels could not 
have had less than eight thousand men opposed to Burnside, principally 
North Carolinians, defending their own State. He was i'ully aware of 
their strength and of the preparations made to meet him, although not 
expecting the rifle pits and redans beyond the railroad, and yet 
attacked with seventy-five hundred men, whose ammunition had been 
damaged by the rain, and in some cases more than half destroyed. He 
was a commander, however, who thoroughly depended on the powers of 
his men. He had faith in them, and having overcome difiiculties at the 
outset of bis expedition at Hatteras, which would have deterred a less 
resolute man, felt that the justice of the cause, backed by the willing 
hands and stout hearts of his troops, must win. He never failed his 
troops and they never failed him. Upon hearing of the Fourth Rhode 
Island's charge, he exclaimed: "I knew it; the day is ours." He 



42 

always acknowledged the great courage and endurance of his soldiers. 
In his testimony before the Committee on the Conduct of War, he says : 
" As at Roanoke, the troops in this action (Newbern) behaved as gal- 
lantly as any men could." 

Let us now return to the Forty-eighth, who were left in the fog on 
the Neuse River on the evening of the thirteenth of March. 

Early the next morning, the " Peabody " moved further up the 
river and joined the fleet of transports. All of the gunboats, with one 
or two exceptions, were up the river engaging the rebel batteries, the 
roaring of their guns being the music to which the Forty-eighth landed. 
The point of disembarkation was four miles further up the river than the 
mouth of Slocum's Creek, where the other troops were landed. Small 
boats conveyed the command from the steamboat to within fifty 
yards of the shore, where they ran aground, and the balance of the trip 
was made by wading. The regiment was formed on the beach, and about 
to follow up after the other troops, when an aid of General Foster's arrived 
from the battlefield for the purpose of hurrying forward ammunition, 
and directed the command to get ammunition ashore and carry it to the 
front as speedily as possible. The landing of the ammunition was a 
difficult task, occasioning great delay. It w^as accomplished with as 
much dispatch as possible. Forty thousand rounds were placed upon 
the only wagon ashore, and Company B detailed to guard it. An addi- 
tional forty thousand rounds were carried by the five other companies. 
To accomplish this task the men took off their musket straps, and with 
them tied, or rather swung, the boxes on fence-rails, two men to one 
box. This was no light load. A heavy knapsack, old Harper's Ferry 
musket, cartridge box containing sixty rounds, and the box containing 
one thousand rounds of ball cartridges swung on the rail, made many 
of the fellows groan. By 3 o'clock in the afternoon the regiment moved 
forward, expecting to reach the main body of troops within three or 
four miles. 

Constant reports from the front were brought by wounded men on 
their way to the transports. " We've got 'em, boys," and " The ' rebs ' 
have been driven from their strongest batteries and are running towards 
Newbern ! " This was cheering, and the men moved forward in good 
spirits through the ankle-deep North Carolina mud. The first part of 
the journey was on the Goldsboro and Macon Railroad, the latter por- 
tion of the way over the country road, rendered almost impassable by 
the heavy rains of the preceding night. 

When near the battlefield intelligence reached the regiment of 
the entire rout of the rebels, our forces driving them before them, of 



43 

their firing the railroad bridge over the Trent, and also setting fire to 
the city. Such news inspired all with renewed vigor. The heavy load 
was almost forgotten. On pressed the men, and just as the gathering 
shades of night were deepening into darkness the battlefield was reached. 
The regiment bivouacked immediately inside of the long line of breast- 
works, where the enemy had made a most desperate stand, a short dis- 
tance from Fort Thompson. 

In company with Colonel Sigfried, Adjutant Bertolette and Captains 
Gilmour and Potts, the writer walked over the battlefield the morning 
after the fight. The dreadful appearance indicated the terrible conflict. 

The party had never seen any field of carnage that resembled in 
the least degree the pictures representing battles, where men, horses, 
cannon and drums are promiscuously heaped together, except this field 
at Newbern. Here literally, were horses, men, cannon, wagons, drums, 
and all the paraphernalia of war indiscriminately mingled in one mass. 
Horses lay dead upon every side, some hitched to the guns, half dragged 
out of their positions, showing an attempt to save them ; wounded 
horses standing on three legs ; here and there the form of a rebel fast 
locked in the arms of death ; clothing, provisions, tents and ammuni- 
tion scattered around ; everything indicated a hasty retreat. 

Trees barktd and scratched by shot and shell, branches lopped off; 
some torn asunder, others cut completely oflT. Evidences of the fierce 
struggle met the eye at every point. It was a sad scene, and although 
the Union army had been victorious, the onlooker could not repress a 
feeling of horror. It mattered little to the stiff, stark bodies lying here, 
who gained the day. At Fort Thompson, all but three of the thirteen 
fine guns were spiked, but there were 40,000 pounds of powder in the 
magazine, safe and sound. 

Nine splendid guns were mounted along the line of entrenchments 
and it was a matter of wonder how eight thousand men so strongly 
entrenched, permitted seventy-five hundred men to force them away. 
It did not look as if one Southerner was equal to two Yankees. 

Colonel Nagle directed the writer to go on to Newbem, hunt up 
some one in authority and ascertain what disposition was to be made 
of the regiment, as no instructions had yet been given him, and he did 
not know to which brigade he would be assigned. 

He took with him Quartermaster Sergeant Jacob Wagner. The 
way was by the wagon road, principally. However, when the railroad 
crossed it, the latter was taken, and after a good solid tramp the Trent 
Eiver was reached, only to find further progress barred, the bridge hav- 
ing been destroyed. An eflTort made by the rebels to destroy our fleet 



44 

by floating down the river vessels filled with cotton, soaked in turpen- 
tine, proved a boomerang ; the tide and wind carried them up against 
the railroad bridge and set it on fire, so the story ran. However this 
may be, the way was temporarily stopped, until, fortunately, a small 
row-boat put in an appearance which was used to reach Newbern. 
General Foster's headquarters were at the Gaston House, but he had no 
authority to take the regiment under his care, and he advised that 
General Burnside be seen at once; he could be found on his boat, the 
" Alice Price." Going to the wharf a small boat was chartered and the 
General's craft boarded, but he was on shore. Again stranded, the boat- 
man having left, a half hour elapsed before another boat was captured, 
and on reaching the shore it was discovered to be the opposite side of 
the river, again from Newbern. 

Passing through the camp of the Ninth New Jersey, all haste was 
made to the railroad to intercept the regiment and report the ill luck. 
Fortunately, as the railroad was reached General Burnside was seen 
riding along, attended by an orderly. Leaving Wagner to wait for the 
Forty-eighth the writer hastened to him and reported the presence of 
the regiment, desiring instructions. He at once assigned the command 
to the Second Brigade, under Brigadier General Thomas L. Reno, and 
directed the writer to follow him to that General's headquarters. What 
follows is a fair sample of General Burnside's kindness of heart, and 
explains the warm attachment his troops had for him. The writer was 
a young officer — in appearance younger than he was — and only a second 
lieutenant, so when he approached the old frame house into which 
General Burnside entered, he felt a diffidence about entering, and 
loitered around the door. Soon an officer rattled down the stairs, and 
looking out, addressed him. " Are you the officer from the Forty-eighth 
Regiment ? " He was. " General Burnside desires you to come upstairs." 
He was ushered into the presence of Generals Reno and Parke, and a 
lot of quartermasters and commissaries. General Burnside immediately 
approached him and shook hands, asked his name and severally intro- 
duced all in the room to him. General Reno was in bed, having had 
his ankle badly sj^rained in the fight the day before. The Forty-eighth 
became the general subject of conversation, and the writer was thor- 
oughly posted as to the arrangements to make for its welfare. Whilst 
arranging about quarters, Commodore Rowan, the naval commander of 
the fleet at Newbern, came in, and the writer was the first person pre- 
sented to him. SThis kind-hearted greeting by General Burnside, and evi- 
dent desire to free a young officer from ail embarrassment, made a great 
impression upon that officer, and he cannot help comparing his manner of 




Gen. Ambrose E. Burnside. 



i 



45 

treatment with that of other officers of high rank in our army during the 
war, very much to these other officers' discredit. All this while it rained 
tremendously. When the regiment was found it was stretched along 
the railroad at the destroyed bridge over the Trent River, and Colonel 
Nagle and Lieutenant Colonel Sigfried both away— over in Newbern— 
to find out what there was to tell. Captain Kauffinan, senior captain, 
marched the regiment back to the vicinity of General Reno's head- 
quarters in rear of the rebel Fort Lane. 

Late in the afternoon, by General Reno's orders, the steamer " Pea- 
body " was placed at the entire disposal of Colonel Nagle, and he sent 
his acting quartermaster aboard to get ashore what baggage was needed 
for the night. During the whole afternoon it rained incessantly, and it 
is recorded that Dr. Reber, Captains Potts and Pleasants, Lieutenants 
Fitzsimmons and Bowen, Hospital Steward Hardell, Quartermaster Ser- 
geant Wagner and the acting quartermaster spent the night very com- 
fortably on board of the " Peabody," enjoying the best of quarters and 

meals. 

The next morning, sixteenth of March, the sojourn of the regiment 
at Newbern may be said to have begun, and it ended on the sixteenth 
of July following, nearly four months. 

The first regular camp was pitched on the east side of the Trent 
River, opposite the town, and was called " Camp Nagle." Here the old 
routine of camp life commenced again. Blacked shoes, white gloves 
and paper collars assumed their sway. Light blue trousers for the 
first time encased the regimental legs, and the old Harper's Ferry mus- 
kets gave way to the English Enfield rifle. The old county bridge was 
picketed by Company C for a while and then Company D had a share 
of it. In that same duty 

How the turkeys gobbled, which these two companies found; 
How the sweet potatoes started even out tire ground. 

One of Company C's men met by Captain Pleasants, with a pig 

under his arm. 

' ' Where did you get that pig ? " demanded the strict officer. bure 
Captain, it followed me! "said the ever-ready soldier. Company B 
was detailed as an artillery company, and its haps and mishaps with 
the fine four field pieces placed at its disposal, afforded great mterest not 
only to the company, but the whole regiment. This battery was near 
Fort Totten,to which neighborhood the regiment moved on the third of 
April, encamping on the outskirts of Newbern, in a pleasant field, 
between the Neuse and Trent Rivers. Fort Totten, a large earthwork, 



46 

was built by many hundreds of contrabands, all adorned with a broad 
white band around their hats, labeled " United States Service." This 
fort commanded the approaches to Newbern, down either river or from 
the land. Just here let it be said for the benefit of the " First Defenders," 
that the first anniversary meeting of members of that body was held in 
a house adjacent to the camp, on the evening of April 18, 1862. A 
series of appropriate resolutions were adopted. Refreshments were par- 
taken of, with lots of songs, speeches and band music thrown in. It was 
a right royal jollification. 

An expedition to demolish a lock in the Dismal Swamp Canal had 
peculiar interest for the Forty-eighth, inasmuch as it was at first selected 
to accompany it, but subsequent orders directed the regiment to remain 
in camp. There was, however, good material amongst the troops com- 
posing that expedition. The Fifty-first Pennsylvania was there and 
the stuff* it was made of was well known. Led by that model soldier, 
the brave, modest Hartranft, it could not fail. How the Forty-eighth 
learned to love the Fifty-first ! Their fortunes were identical, dangers 
and hardships mutual. Subsequently, at Antietam, who of the Forty- 
eighth can ever forget the Fifty-first's gallant determination to stand by 
it in holding the hill against an anticipated assault ? Without a cart- 
ridge this big-hearted command proposed to defend with cold steel to 
the bitter end. All honor to the brave leader and men of the Fifty- 
first ! 

On the twenty-third of April the forces in the department were 
reorganized. Foster, Reno and Parke became commanders of the First, 
Second and Third Divisions. Colonel James Nagle was assigned to the 
command of the First Brigade, Second Division, and the brigade con- 
sisted of the Forty-eighth Pennsylvania, Ninth New Jersey, Second 
Maryland and One Hundred and Third New York. 

How excited the boys of the regiment were at the news of the fall 
of Fort Macon, Lieutenant George W. Gowen, of Company C, being in 
that engagement in the capacity of an acting officer of Company C, 
First U. S. Artillery. The One Hundred and Third New York created 
a sensation by going on an independent scouting trip, led by its famous 
German commander, the brave and dashing Colonel Baron Frederick 
Von W. Egloffstein, who lost his leg through the rash adventure. 

The Newbern portion of the regiment was made happy when the 
boys of E, F, G and K rejoined them on the twenty-third of May, 
1862. There was a great hand-shaking at this reunion, and anxious 
inquiries respecting the health and happiness of all Hatteras friends and 
notorieties. 



47 

Constant were the visits of General Burnside through the camps 
of the various regiments, and frequent his interviews with the com- 
pany cooks. He thus ascertained from this very essential " brigade," 
the character of the rations received by the men, and determined 
whether the commissary department was efficiently administered. Is 
it any wonder that the boys of the Ninth Army Corps loved their 
general ? The nearest way to a soldier's heart lays right through his 
haversack. 

The rations furnished the troops at Newbern were far superior to 
those furnished in any other department the regiment served, both as 
regards assortment and freshness, and many nice little delicacies were 
frequently found proceeding from the commissaries. The issue, too, was 
quite abundant. 

On the twenty-ninth of May the regiment left the vicinity of Fort 
Totten, recrossed the Trent River, and went into camp on the banks of 
the river near the spot it first occupied. Upon its right the Second 
Maryland encamped, and immediately in front the One Hundred and 
Third New York was located. This camp was beautified with shade 
trees. Vigorous skirmish drills, with blank cartridge firing, were the 
order of the day. Great care was taken to make the " dress parade " 
faultless. 

On the third of June the regiment went on guard in Newbern to 
give the Twenty-fifth Massachusetts a chance to participate in a review 
of the First Division. Captain KauflJinan, of A, was officer of the day, 
and Lieutenants Hinkle, of H, Klecker, of D, Bohannan, of E, and 
Woods, of B, were officers of the guard. The occasion was a notable 
one, for there was great rivalry between the Forty-eighth Pennsylvania 
and Twenty-fifth Massachusetts. Reno bragged on the former, and 
Foster landed the latter. 

Reviews by brigade and division became frequent in the department. 
There was quite a surfeit of them. However, the result of one caused 
an inscription to be placed on the flag of the Forty-eighth. It happened 
in this wise : Immediately after the battle of Newbern a general order 
was issued directing all the regiments in the department to inscribe 
upon the flags the word " Newbern," Not having been in the actual 
conflict or even under fire. Colonel Nagle hesitated about complying 
with this order, from a modest notion that it was not deserved. On the 
seventh of June, General Burnside sent a special order directing the 
Forty-eighth to comply with his general order on the subject. This 
was neglected. On the twentieth of June a grand review of the entire 
force of the " Coast Department " was ordered, the occasion being the 



48 

presentation of a sword to General Burnside, the gift of the State of 
Rhode Island. The troops were formed in a square, Foster's Division 
occupying two sides, and Reno's Division the other two sides, Nagle's 
Brigade being on the eastern side, the cavalry and artillery were formed 
outside the lines of the infantry. Adjutant General Mauran, of Rhode 
Island, made the presentation speech, and General Burnside replied 
briefly, and then the troops yelled. This was followed by a review of 
the forces, and the commanding general failed to discern "Newbern" 
on the flags of the Forty-eighth. This nettled the General, and he 
took Colonel Nagle to task about it, stating in substance that although 
not directly under fire, the Forty-eighth's hard work upon that eventful 
day made up a part of the general movement, and assisted so materially 
that it was clearly entitled to have " Newbern " emblazoned upon its 
standard, and there it is to-day, on the tattered old ensign in Harris- 
burg, the only battle inscribed thereon ! 

The hot weather of June was calculated to bring sickness, and care 
had to be exercised in guarding the health of the men. Too frequent 
bathing in the Trent was deemed imprudent, and Colonel Sigfried issued 
" Order No. 8," forbidding " all bathing except on Wednesdays and 
Saturdays," and no soldier was " allowed to bathe between the hours of 
9 a. m. and 4 p. m., or remain in the water longer than ten minutes at 
one time." 

A long, loud whistle on the Macon Railroad, one fine morning, 
roused the men in the various camps, and a rush was made over to the 
tracks, as the cry rang out, "Here comes an engine!" "Here comes 
an engine ! " 

It was greeted with rousing cheers, and its course watched as it 
crept slowly over the new bridge spanning the Trent River, as if feeling 
its way at every foot, until it safely reached the opposite shore and went 
howling through the streets of Newbern. This was "U. S. No. 1." No. 
2 followed in a day or two. The regiment had not seen an engine for 
nine months. 

The town of Newbern, when first occupied by the Union troops^ 
appeared to be thoroughly deserted by the dwellers, but day after day 
store after store would reopen, home after home be reoccupied, as the 
people began to learn that the Yankees were not such terrible fellows 
after all. However, there was a general appearance of the place having 
become prematurely old ; evidence of decay struck the eye at every 
turn ; grasB grew quite abundantly in the streets — this latter fact caused 
an old North Carolinian great joy, as he was glad to know the soil was 
rich enough to produce anything. 



49 

The " Gaston House " was the " swell " hotel ; it was renamed by- 
its new proprietor the " Union House." 

Pollock, Middle and Broad are some of the streets the Forty-eighth 
boys will long remember. 

Many of the adventures in and around Newbern belong to the 
unwritten history of the regiment. Every regiment has a history thiit 
will never be written. If handed down to posterity it will be " by word 
of mouth," as the traditions of ancient times. Much that was done 
needs to be forgotteu, so this account will not rehearse the misdoings of 
the Forty-eighth at either Newbern or Lexington. 

Early on the morning of July 2, 1862, the regiment was astir with 
three days' cooked rations in haversacks. At 5.30 a. m. the march into 
town was made. The steamer " Highland Light " was used as a lighter 
to convey the regiment aboard the " Cossack," which lay about a mile 
and a half from the landing, down the stream. Pardon a personal 
reference here, but the incident made a deep impression upon his mind, 
and furnished amusement to many. At this time the writer was captain 
of Company G, and after getting aboard of the " Cossack," discovered 
that through the negligence of some one, the company's coffee, sugar, 
and cooking utensils had been left behind. Finding that the steamer 
would probably be delayed some time, the writer procured a boat from 
Captain Bennett, and gathering a crew set off for the shore. 

Not oidy G's missing articles were found, but also E's and K's. 
Securing the lot, the boat was pushed off to return to the " Cossack." 
The men pulled the oars gaily, as we neared the steamer, rejoicing at 
our good luck in recovering the lot of stores ; to our horror, the vessel 
began to move slowly away, we knew not whither. Our feelings cannot 
be described — the expedition off", and we hopelessly striving to reach the 
steamer, a half mile in the rear! " Now, then, boys, a big pull, a strong 
pull, and a pull all together, or we will be left ! " It was muscle against 
steam ! A rain storm came on ; it poured down in torrents, and soaked 
us to the skin. My, how we worked ! Puff", puff, from the " Cossack's" 
smokestack ! Pull, pull, went our oars ! We waved our arms wildly, 
yelled ourselves hoarse, without effect — the vessel steamed on. No 
relaxation of effort, we worked with a will ! For two miles the chase 
lasted ; heaven alone knows how much longer it would have been if the 
" Cossack " had not stopped ! But it did stop — we reached it, thoroughly 
wet, disgusted and exhausted, scrambling up on deck amidst the shouts 
of the fortunate ones, who laughed at our discomfort, and made game of 
our herculean efforts to outdo steam. It was an experience we sliall 
never forget, and one the writer took care never to repeat. 



50 

Four o'clock in the afternoon the fleet started, anchoring some 
seventeen miles below Newborn, in the Neuse. Colonel Nagle was in 
command of the expedition, and he found upon opening his orders that 
it was to jiroceed to Hampton Roads and report to General Reno for 
further orders. 

By 3 o'clock in the afternoon of the third, the " Cossack " reached 
Hatteras Inlet. Wbilst preparing to cross the "Swash" the "Alice 
Price " steamed up alongside with the intelligence that " McClellan was 
iu Richmond," and the command was directed to " remain where it was 
until further orders." Three rousing cheers for the news and three more 
for Little Mac shook the timbers of the old " Cossack " from fore to aft. 
The anchor was dropped, and in sight of the regiment's old Hatteras 
home the officers held a spirited meeting as to how best to celebrate the 
glorious fourth. A visit from Quartermaster Ellis, who still remained at 
this point as post quartermaster, convinced bis friends that life agreed 
with him, for a healthier looking, jollier, more contented quartermaster 
never ran a tug. 

When the fourth arrived, its celebration was greatly interfered 
with by the retrograde movement of the " Cossack," for by 4.30 in the 
morning that staid old vessel was plowing its way through the waters of 
Pamlico Sound, heading for Newbern. National salutes were being fired 
by the gunboats and shore batteries, bells were ringing and flags flying 
when the regiment arrived at the wharf at Newbern. By 5 o'clock in 
the afternoon the old camping ground was reached, and at eight the 
canvas houses were all in their places. 

The fifth was spent at Newbern, but only to make preparations for a 
final departure, which began early on the morning of the sixth, when 
the " Cossack " was again taken possession of by the Forty-eighth. By 
11 o'clock the vessel with several schooners in tow, steamed away from 
Newbern. McClellan was not in Richmond, he was very, very glad to 
be under cover of the navy's gunboats at Harrison's Landing, and wait 
promised reinforcements. So the regiment knew its destination. At 10 
p. m. the " Swash " was reached, and the anchor dropped for the night. 

The regiment had had much to do with Hatteras, and it is there- 
fore not strange to find it hard for the old island to part with its favorite 
" boys in blue " without a tus?le ; so on the morning of the seventh, the 
command experienced the delightful sensation of sticking hard aground 
on the " Swash." 

Notwithstanding the combined efforts of two tugs and the " High- 
land Light," with the shifting of the regiment to another boat, the 
*' Cossack " did not get finally under way until two in the afternoon. 



51 

Steaming up the blue Atlantic on the evening of tlie seventh of 
July, 1862, the flashing waves dancing beneath a moon of unrivaled 
splendor, the command caught its last glimpse of Hatteras. There, 
restored by the merciful hand of a great government, to all its former 
glory, twinkled the light from Hatteras lighthouse. How merrily it 
shot forth its dazzling rays, as if gleefully dancing on the wave crests, 
rejoiced once more to be the beacon-watcher on this dangerous coast. 

So has it been with this great and glorious Union. Once stripped 
of its bright, beautiful, sunny South, with the aid of the noble, self-sacri- 
ficing, heroic citizen soldiery, the light has been replaced, this jewel has 
been restored, and the glory and honor of the American Nation will 
shine briffhtlv through all coming time. 



CHAPTER IV. 

NEWPORT NEWS. 

Nine o'clock Tuesday morning, July 8, 1862, the steamer "Cos- 
sack," with the Forty-eighth Regiment on board, rounded Cape Henry, 
and entered the waters of Chesapeake Bay, heading for old Fortress 
Monroe. Crowds of schooners, brigs, frigates, and all manner of sailing 
craft, even to a Schuylkill Canal boat, were anchored in Hampton 
Roads. In comparison with some of the vessels to be seen the poor old 
" Cossack" looked like a conch shell. It was 2 o'clock in the afternoon 
before the vessel dropped anchor, within probably four hundred yards 
of the walls of the fortress, just above the lighthouse. The intense heat 
sent many ashore in the evening to get a good bath ; the sensation was 
delicious. The trip to and from the beach was enlivened by the glare 
of the fires made by the company cooks, who were ashore cooking two 
days' rations. 

The boys were made happy next day by the appearance of Dr. 
Charles H, Haeseler, who had been on a visit to the Army of the 
Potomac, and brovight plenty of news from Schuylkill County ; then a 
number of the men of the Ninety-sixth Regiment were also seen, and 
their accounts of the bravery of that regiment during the Peninsula 
campaign delighted all. Under orders the " Cossack " left the fortress 
at 6 o'clock in the evening, steamed up the James River and landed the 
regiment at Newport News about 8 o'clock, where its disembarkation 
was easily accomplished under the bright light of the moon. A 
convenient field overlooking the river made a fine place to bivouac. 
On the tenth, tents and baggage were taken off the steamer, and by 
evening all were comfortably quartered, ready to resume the old routine 
of camp life, 

Newport News at this time was a village of barracks, fortifications 
and shanties. The " Lake House," a frame " shebang " of some preten- 
sion as to size, was kept by colored people. It was well provided with 
a variety of eatables and drinkables, thus affording an opportunity for 
refreshments, which many of the Forty-eighth were not slow in accept- 
ing ; ice cream was one of the luxuries, brought all the way from Balti- 
more. Adjoining the Lake House was a rude looking barber shop, 

(52) 



53 

which fell in for a large share of patronage. The post was garrisoned 
by odd detachments. A company of the Eleventh Pennsylvania Cav- 
alry formed a portion of it. Many of the officers had their wives with 
them, and it did the men of the Forty-eighth a power of good to see the 
bright faces of these Northern ladies — remember for a year no oppor- 
tunity had been vouchsafed for gazing at more bewitching damsels than 
Hatteras belles ; and from such as " sich" spare further infliction ! 

If there was one ceremony in which the Forty-eighth couM excel 
more than another, it was dress parade. When the regiment made up 
its mind to do a dress parade with all its might, it could excel any other 
regiment in the field ; and when the ladies graced the occasion with 
their presence, as they were sure to do if in the vicinity, the ceremony 
amounted to a poem! Thanks to the sojourn at Hatteras, the regiment 
was thoroughly well drilled and most proficient in handling the musket. 
The grand old woods in rear of the camp became a favorite resort for 
several reasons. The cool air found beneath the trees therein, shielding 
the rays of a fiery sun, was one, but the most potent was probably the 
fact that herein resided old Pringle. All remember old Pringle and 
his wife, Mary, no doubt. Their ale was good, the old man was jolly ; 
the officers, especially of the Forty-eighth, were often thirsty, and fre- 
quent visits were made in consequence. Many a merry evening was 
passed beneath their roof, and many the mishaps getting back to camp — 
poor Gilmour's, for instance. What a time Pringle had pronouncing his 
name for " Pinky's " benefit, who purposely miscalled him Perriwinkle. 
These were happy-go-lucky, free from care times. 

Some difficulty was had in securing proper camping grounds to 
escape the frequent rains. On the sixteenth of July large reinforcements 
from South Carolina reached Newport News, amongst them our old 
friends the Fiftieth and One Hundredth Pennsylvania, and Seventy- 
ninth New York (Highlanders). On the twenty-second of July the 
troops were organized into a corps, which was numbered the Ninth, and 
with this glorious corps the Forty-eighth remained to the close of the 
war. Schools for officers and non-commissioned officers were resumed 
at Newport News — a board of examiners, of which Colonel Nagle was 
chief, was appointed to question such officers as might be sent them by 
commanders of divisions. Brigade, regimental and company drills 
became frequent. A recruiting party consisting of Lieutenant Kleckner, 
of D ; Sergeant Huckey, of A ; and Corporal Dengler, of K, was 
detailed to proceed to Pennsylvania to recruit for the regiment. They 
left on the twenty-second of July. Orders for one day's cooked rations 
were promulgated on the twenty-fourth, throwing all hands into a state of 



54 

great excitement. Many supposed a dash at some impudent rebels, said 
to be lurking around, was intended. The purpose, however, had no 
such sanguinary meaning — it was merely a trial march, as frequent 
moves were considered beneficial. Warwick Court House was the 
objective point. The expedition was the suggestion of General Reno, and 
was really unimportant when compared to subsequent marches, but to 
men as unused to marching as the men of the regiment were, it was quite 
a tiresome trip. On the way much mud and water were encountered. 
The three hours' rest at Young's Mills was greatly enjoyed. The Court 
House was reached at 6 o'clock p. m., the march having occupied eleven 
hours. The grain shocks which filled the field bivouacked in, soon dis- 
appeared, being appropriated for beds by the fagged-out soldiers. The 
Court House, if the small building scarce the size of a 'squire's office, 
can be dignified by so grand a name, is, or was then, a diminutive brick 
edifice, with a couple of jury rooms on either side of the main room, 
each about 8x5 feet. Numerous curious sketches, probably made by 
McClellan's army during its march to Yorktown, adorned the interior 
walls. The struggle between the Monitor and the Merrimac, the ill-fated 
Cumberland, etc., were the subjects. 'Twas here the judges of " Ole 
Virginny " dispensed the law to the surrounding inhabitants, from the 
earliest dates of the country's history. The records were strewn to the 
wind, some bore the date of 1760. The jail was a mean two-story brick 
building, exceedingly small, dirty and miserable looking, no doubt a 
terror to all evil-doers of Warwick County. The oflice used for storing 
the county records was a much smaller building than either of the 
others. These buildings, with two large frame ones, one used as a 
tavern, the other as a school-house, church, assembly room or some such 
purpose, and a stable, completed the built up portion of the town of 
Warwick Court Hou.se. The surrounding country is truly beautiful. 
Large trees abound in profusion immediately about the settlement, 
beneath which an elegant lawn spreads out inviting repose. There is 
shade enough here to accommodate the inhabitants of the entire county. 
No doubt it was the custom of these inhabitants to assemble here to 
listen to the speeches of their fellow-citizens upon the important issues 
of the hour, — here is where they voted, held their conventions, etc. The 
mosquitoes held high carnival that night — they were peculiarly trouble- 
some, and it was wonderful how some of the boys could make such a 
mistake as to wish them in a very warm climate when just the contrary 
destination would have " settled their hash." The return march com- 
menced at 5 o'clock in the morning of the twenty-sixth, and camp was 
reached at Newport News, by 11.30 a. m., a little more than six hours. 



without further adventure, save the effort to stop a tendency some of the 
men had to straggle ahead. 

Whilst at Newport News an opportunity was afforded to see 
exemplified the policy of using the negroes of the South as contrabands 
of war. Squads of cavalry scoured the country bringing in all the 
negroes they could find. These were sent in bodies of three or four 
hundred to McClellan, to do the digging for the Army of the Potomac. 
Considerable discussion to settle the seniority of rank of the captains of 
the regiment took place in various meetings held at the colonel's tent. 
Some thought the date of muster into the United States service should 
decide it ; others, that the different posts of honor occupied by the 
respective companies ought to settle it ; others again claimed it from 
date of appointment into the regiment, and others wanted an examina- 
tion to settle the point by merit. This last proposition occasioned an 
amusing debate, as all who were present will remember. The result was 
the referring of the whole matter to General Reno, who decided that 
the date of muster into the United States service was the standard of 
rank. The morning of Friday, August 1, 1862, found the regiment in 
quiet enjoyment of its camp at Newport News, with nothing to disturb 
the even tenor of its way, until just as the afternoon napping time came, 
the announcement was made that the paymaster had arrived, which 
caused great excitement. All were fearfully strapped, indeed, the 
pocketbooks were very light when Newbern was left, and no wonder the 
advent of so important a person was followed by a great stir. In the 
midst of this welcomed news came orders to cook " three days rations 
immediately." Then baggage to be ready for immediate removal to 
the schooner " Gilbert Green." On the morning of the second the 
regiment was aroused at 5 o'clock and by eight snugly aboard its old 
friend the " Cossack." It was sunset before the balance of the troops 
were embarked. The "Cossack" had three schooners in tow, and 
before getting off snapped two stout hawsers. The quiet beauty of 
the scene, during the trip down the James River to Fortress Monroe, 
made a most pleasing impression. The magnificent sunset in the 
rear painted the heavens with bright gorgeous tints and dazzled 
the eye with the sparkling waters of the James. The deej)ening 
shadows of the bluffs, and the noiseless motion of the steamer, made up 
a scene of delicious repose. Passing the ill-fated steamers " Cumber- 
land " and " Congress," by 8 o'clock the vessel dropped anchor in the 
bay, above the Fortress. All settled themselves for a good night's rest. 
Some, however, were aroused by the peculiar noise accompanying the 
weighing anchor, and watched the operation to discover, if possible, 



56 

wliere the vessel was bound. At 1 o'clock a. m. all was ready, and 
silently steaming away from the shadow of the Fortress, the " Cossack " 
headed for the ocean, and just as all hope of going up the Chesapeake 
was abandoned, the boat rounded nicely for the Bay. At 4 o'clock the 
regiment was aroused by the discovery that Mattis Sheaffer, of Com- 
pany D, in a momentary craxy fit, had shot himself through the 
abd<>men, from the effects of which he died, in great suflTering, twenty- 
four hours afterward. 

The destination of the expedition continued to excite comment all 
the morning of the third ; as the mouth of the different rivers emptying 
into the Chesapeake was approached, the vessel's course was closely 
watched. By 3 p. m. the " Cossack " was steaming grandly up the old 
Potomac, with the lighthouse on Point Lookout in the rear an hour. 
The bad fare on the steamer caused a " fodder rebellion " amongst the 
officers, and the haversacks were drawn on in preference to the steward's 
rations. At 8 o'clock p. ra. anchor was dropped some twelve miles 
below Mathias' Point, leaving the ultimate destination of the troops 
still a matter of doubt. This doubt was removed on the morning of 
the fourth when the vessel anchored off Acquia Creek. 

There was much bustle at the mouth of Acquia Creek when the 
Forty-eighth was aroused from slumber on board the " Cossack " on the 
morning of August 4, 1862. Troops were being rapidly landed from 
the numerous transports, and convenient railroad trains conveyed them 
into the interior. The Forty-eighth's turn to land came at 12 o'clock 
noon, but the old " Cossack " found the water too shallow, and to plow 
through the mud, heavily loaded, besides towing a schooner on each 
side, was too much for the boat, so she " stuck." By dropping a portion 
of the tow and exerting strenuous labor, land was approached near 
enough to permit the regiment to get ashore, but it was 4 p. m. before it 
was accomplished. 

The first eight companies filled a train — leaving G and B behind 
to take a second train, which came up directly after the first left. The 
country between Acquia Creek and Falmouth resembles the scenery of 
Pennsylvania very much, and the boys were delighted with the ride. 
The Ninety-fifth New York and Fifty -sixth Pennsylvania were stationed 
along the railroad as guards, and as the various encampments of the 
detachment were passed, rousing cheers welcomed the Forty-eighth. 

Falmouth was reached by 6.30 and the camp pitched on the sum- 
mit of a hill on the north side of the Rappahannock River, immediately 
opposite the town of Fredericksburg, where an extensive view was had 
of the surrounding country. During the evening several Schuylkill 



57 

countians, belonging to the Fifty-sixth Pennsylvania, visited the Fqrty- 
eighth, amongst them Professor Pres. Rossiter and Jim Hetherington. 

Fredericksburg is beautifully situated, encircled by picturesque 
hills, very pleasant and delightful in scenic effect, but not nearly so 
pleasant and delightful when the same hills bristle with artillery and 
infantry, as the Forty-eighth found out about four months afterward. 
At this time the town appeared finished. It seemed larger than New- 
bern ; had better houses, rather more thrifty in appearance, with, how- 
ever, an air of self-satisfaction at having reached the proportions 
gained, but with no desire for further increase. Many of the inhabi- 
tants remained in town ; their sentiments were decidedly "secesh," and 
intercourse between them and the Yankees by no means hearty. There 
were no guards placed in the town. A cordon of sentinels surrounded 
it completely cutting off communication with outsiders. Citizens were 
not permitted to pass in or out ; not a special pass was allowed. All 
officers and soldiers desiring to visit the town were required to have 
passes. These could only be obtained for business purposes — business 
requiring to be transacted there and that could not be attended to out- 
side. Orders were very strict respecting this, and they were rigidly 
enforced. The writer made a visit to the town to make some necessary 
purchases, and meeting Lieutenants Blake and Niles, with two other 
officers of the One-hundred-and-third New York, journeyed to a board- 
ing house on Commerce street for dinner. Whilst indulging in the 
chicken, roast beef, corn, tomatoes, potatoes, etc., provided, some young 
ladies in the parlor overhead were heard singing the rebel song, " Bonny 
Blue Flag." They sang it very well. The party went up into the parlor, 
secured an introduction, and besought a repetition of the song, but the 
blue coats and brass buttons besought in vain — the ladies stoutly de- 
clined. They did sing " The Star Spangled Banner," however, out of 
compliment to their visitors. 

Just without the camp, probably a hundred yards, in a ravine, an 
elegant spout of water jutted out of the ground, conveniently situated 
for standing under. Here, when " taps " had sounded, a number of the 
officers would congregate and indulge in a shower bath, the delicious- 
ness of which cannot be described, following, as it did, those hot, arid 
August days. This was a particularly favorite resort of Captain Filbert, 
Vvho enjoyed its refreshing effects nightly. 

This, added to the gorgeously beautiful moonlight nights and 
magnificent scenery surrounding the camp, rendered the regiment's stay 
•at Fredericksburg very pleasant and agreeable. 



CHAPTER V. 

WITH POPE. 

On the ninth of August orders were received to retrench baggage, 
and send everything home not absolutely necessary. Dress coats, 
trunks and many extras of a like nature were hurried into the express 
office at Fredericksburg and shipped North. Each company was 
allowed but one wagon. This cutting down tnok away the natty 
appearance of the dress parade and inspection — blouses did not set the 
men off as well' as dress coats, but promised earnest work in the near 
future could well replace good looks. 

It was the twelfth before the looked-for order to move was promul- 
gated, and by 6 o'clock in the evening the march to join Pope's array 
began. Whilst preparing for this move rain commenced falling, which 
made the roads dreadfully muddy, and although it cleared, with a beauti- 
ful moon overhead, the tramping was not at all agreeable. The march 
lay along the north bank of the Rappahannock River, up hill and down 
dale, with frequent rests, until 3 o'clock a. m., when the command 
bivouacked for the balance of the night. 

The march was resumed at 7 o'clock on the morning of the 
thirteenth and continued, with occasional halts, until 11 o'clock, when 
a rest of four hours was had. The condition of the road improved at 
every step and the scenery was perfectly charming. There were many 
farms along the route in an excellent state of cultivation, with only here 
and there a house deserted. Some of these estates were really magnifi- 
cent, and the sight of several churches seemed to indicate a religious 
neighborhood. Apples were plenty and generous supplies were laid in. 
The road traversed lay through Hanover and Fauquier counties. At 
4 o'clock p. m. the regiment moved on. When four miles had been 
covered the summit of a hill was reached, from which there burst upon 
the sight one of the grandest views occurring in the whole of the regi- 
ment's military life. The full beauty of a number of succeeding valleys, 
ending in the Shenandoah Valley, was spread before the delighted vision. 
The Blue Ridge away in the background with its sharp peaks, towering 
toward the clouds, clearly outlined against a most gorgeous sunset sky. 
Beneath the lofty point of observation, a magnificent valley, with its 

(58) 



59 

liwlit and shade strongly in contrast with the crimson and golden 
beauties of the charming sunset. As the men reached this point an 
involuntary shout of admiration paid tribute to the transcendent beauty 
of the scene. It was a grand sight, a long time was spent in wondrous 
admiration, the command seeming loath to lose any of its thrilling 
loveliness. A neighboring field afforded a desirable spot for a bivouac, 
and into it the regiment filed for that purpose. During the night an 
alarm in camp occasioned the rapid formation of the brigade into line. 
The cause was the accidental discharge of a gun by one of the Sixth 
New Hampshire men ; the bullet passed through the poor fellow's hand, 
and whizzed over the Forty-eighth's camp. All thought the Johnnies 
were surely about. 

The march was resumed at 7 o'clock on the morning of the 
fourteenth. After covering four miles of tramping, Bealton Station, on 
the Orange and Alexandria Railroad, was reached. Whilst waiting at 
this station for further orders, visitors from the Twenty-eighth Regiment 
Pennsylvania Volunteers made their appearance in camp. Especially 
remembered is Captain James Silliman, who was accompanied by Major 
Pardee. Jim was always a great favorite,— the hearty welcome he 
received upon this occasion must have convinced him of that fact. 

Company B's and G's wagon rejoined the regiment at this point. 
It had been missing since the twelfth, and during the time had upset two 
or three times, once in a pool of water. The officers' mess-chest was 
completely demolished ; the contents in an exceedingly disagreeable 
condition. An empty train soon approached the station, and the Forty- , 
eighth was put aboard. There being no more transportation, the V 
balance of the brigade were obliged to walk. Lucky Forty-eighth ! 
A ride of twelve miles brought the regiment to Culpeper Court House, 
a very pretty village, surrounded at the time by a large army, whose 
tents dotted the fields in all directions. The regiment left the cars some 
hundred rods below the station, and marching about a mile and a half 
toward the Rapidan River, encamped for the night. A long line of 
rebel prisoners were marched through the town just as the Forty- 
eighth's train arrived, presenting rather a scaly appearance. 

More Schuylkill County boys, from other Pennsylvania regiments, 
dropped into camp, amongst them Frank Hodgson, of the Signal Corps, 
"Doc" Pott and Lew Crosland. The next morning found all trying 
to dry themselves, after a rainy night, and in order to more rapidly 
stimulate the flow of the blood through the veins, many indulged m an 
exciting chase after calves, sheep, pigs and the like. Corn and potatoes 
were plenty; the boys lived well— on the country— obeying Popes 



60 

order. At 9.15 on the morning of the sixteenth the march was again 
resumed, and after tramping some six miles on the wrong road out of 
the way, the command went into camp about seven miles from Cul- 
peper, on the banks of Cedar Creek. This location was about two 
miles north of the Rapidan, io full view of Slaughter or Cedar Moun- 
tain, where the recent fight between Banks and Ewell had taken place. 
In all the regiment's campaigns the fences never walked away so 
rapidly as they did at this place. There were plenty of them on the 
regiment's arrival, but the command "halt" scarce died away ere they 
melted in an instant. The great havoc made in the fresh meat found 
in the neighborhood at this time, caused orders to cease " living on the 
country " in so indiscriminate a way, to be prDmptly issued. Sheep, 
hogs, calves and chickens, not alone suffered, but heifers and even steers 
Avere brought low. The camps were all slaughter pens — the number of im- 
promptu butchers immense. General Pope's order to subsist the troops 
on the country was being literally carried out, but not as he intended. 

Whilst here, on the seventeenth of August, the regimental band 
was mustered out of the service, in compliance with orders from the 
War Department. The instruments were the property of the regiment, 
having been purchased through contributions made by the various 
companies, during its occupancy of Hatteras ; so, now, what to do with 
these instruments became a question. It was finally agreed to permit 
the band to take them home, and there to place them in the hands of 
three trustees, Messrs. Frank Pott, F. B. Kaercher and Joseph l^err, 
all of Pottsville, who were respectfully desired to have a care to the regi- 
ment's interest in them. These gentlemen are all dead, and one of the 
most difficult questions to be answered is. Where are these instruments 
now? 

Upon the eighteenth of August a special muster of the entire army 
took place. It was directed to be made by President Lincoln, in order 
to determine the actual strength of the army upon a certain day. 
During this day Generals Pope and McDowell rode through the camp, 
returning from a visit to General Reno. 

It should have been stated before that the division of the Ninth 
Army Corps, doing duty in this cauipaign, was commanded by General 
Jesse L. Reno, not only one of the bravest officers in the service, but one 
of the best. The regiment always had a high estimate of Reno's abilities 
as a military man and believe had he lived he would have received 
high honors at the hands of his countrymen. 

The regiment retired to rest just after "Tattoo " with three days' 
cooked rations in haversacks — prepared for an immediate move. 



61 

Quietly, at 11 o'clock, all were aroused— large camp fires were left 
burning, as the command moved off silently and quickly. The march 
was in an eastwardly direction, and rapidly conducted toward Stevens- 
burg, and Fredericksburg, south of the Rappahannock and north of the 
Rapidan. Two creeks were forded during the night. A short halt, 
only to load, was had, when off again, with a caution to move forward 
with as little noise as possible, to accomplish which tin cups, canteen?, 
and all rattling objects were put into the haversacks. At this point 
Jackson's and Longstreet's entire forces were within less than two miles. 
They were crossing, or had crossed, the Rapidan, bent on gaining Kelly's 
Ford, on the Rappahannock, to prevent General Pope's contemplated 
retreat or to intercept portions of his army in that retreat. Away the 
boys traveled rapidly, many dropping by the wayside, until after pass- 
ing through the town of Stevensburg, a halt was ordered about 10 
o'clock on the morning of the nineteenth in a large field, the first rest 
of any consequence since the night before, eleven hours of rapid march- 
ing. The tramp was resumed at 1 o'clock, after first wading a very 
deep creek, still at a rapid rate ; five miles brought Kelly's Ford in 
view. It was crossed waist deep, and camp was established on the north 
bank of the Rappahannock. The regiment was pretty well fagged out 
with its severe march, probably the most severe experienced, but the 
ford was secured and the rebels were thwarted. Here it was learned 
that Pope's entire army had retreated across the Rappahannock with 
the loss of only a linch pin. What it all meant was a mystery then — 
the mystery now is, how the regiment escaped capture. 

At Kelly's Ford everything indicated a brush with the enemy. 
The rebels were not far. On the twentieth a Sixth New Hampshire 
man was brought in wounded by their cavalry scouts. Reno's batteries 
went into position on a hill to the left of the ford. Companies A, F, I, 
D and C, composing the right wing, under command of Lieutenant- 
Colonel Sigfried, were reconnoitering all day on the south side of the 
river. They returned to camp at sunset, having had a sight of the rebel 
cavalry, but no opportunity to exchange shots. As these companies 
returned Company K started to relieve Company B, which company 
had been on picket the previous night. The three remaining companies, 
H, E and G had a sort of dress parade, with Captain Gilmour in com- 
mand. That night every man slept with his gun in his hand. Matters 
were assuming a squally appearance. The presence also of the com- 
mander of the army added to the importance of the position held by the 
Forty-eighth. Generals Pope and McDowell, who, by the way, seemed 
to stick pretty close to each other during the whole of the campaign, 



62 

made frequent visits to General Reno, thus giving an opportunity for 
the boys to see them often. 

The aspect of affairs looked still more threatening on the twenty- 
first. General Buford's Brigade of cavalry, accompanied by a section 
of artillery, passed over the river, and were soon engaged in skirmishing 
with the enemy. A lively exchange of shots took place. Stevens' 
Division of infantry also crossed, and the Forty-eighth was ordered 
over, but this was subsequently countermanded, and a position was 
occupied at the river's edge, covering the ford. A natural embankment 
afforded excellent protection. The " rebs," however, concluded to try 
some other point of crossing, and no further trouble occurred at Kelly's 
Ford, although the night was passed with every preparation in readiness 
for immediate action. 

At " reveille " of the twenty-second, the regiment fell into line and 
moved off* in a westwardly direction, following the north bank of the 
Rappahannock River. The weather was murky, rainy and clear, by fits 
and starts, and intensely warm, hence marching was far from agreeable. 
The distant discharges of cannon, becoming more and more distinct as 
the march continued, indicated that trouble was brewing. A long rest 
occurred at Rappahannock Station, on the Orange and Alexandria 
Railroad. The regiment occupied a hill a little west of the station and 
awaited further developments. Immediately in its front, resting, stretched 
at full length under the shade of a tree, was the Commanding General, 
the plucky little Pope. The constant coming and going of officers on 
horseback, marked the rapidity with which the various parts of his army 
was moving, and indicated the api)roaching struggle. At 4 o'clock in 
the afternoon, in the midst of a drenching rain, the regiment moved off", 
and marching a mile and a half further up the river, bivouacked. A 
battery was posted in front, behind it General Stevens' Division drawn 
up in line of battle, and back of this Reno's Division in line. Immedi- 
ately in the rear of the line of stacked muskets, the Forty-eighth dropped 
aslee^D, with the certainty of a down-pour of rain. The drenching 
came — thoroughly soaked, the regiment moved off early the next morn- 
ing (the twenty-third), still up the river, marching slowly, with frequent 
halts, only making five miles by 3 p. m. 

Whilst resting in a large field a terrible shower of rain came on ; 
the lightning intensely vivid, flash rapidly succeeding flash. Not a 
hundred yards away the negro driver of the ammunition train was 
struck and killed, the shock stunning several other parties near. By 6 
o'clock the regiment started again, and soon discovered that the cause of 
the slow marching and frequent halts was a bad place in the road. It 



63 

was 9 o'clock before this swamp was crossed, tlie mud and water of 
which appeared to be three or four feet deep. The road now commenced 
getting hilly. It was 12 o'clock at night before the bivouac was called. 
A muddier, wetter or more forlorn set of men never sank down to sleep. 
The next day was Sunday the twenty-fourth ; 4 a. m. found the Forty- 
eighth slowly plodding along, the route becoming more and more moun- 
tainous. The roaring of artillery sounded nearer and nearer. Whilst 
resting in a field behind a hill upon which a Union battery was stationed, 
a rebel shell, the very first the Forty-eighth had heard near, passed 
overhead with a " where-is-ye, where-is-ye, where-is-ye, here ! " " They're 
throwing railroad iron," some one ejaculated. Soon came a second, then 
a third, and shelter was sought in a neighboring woods, whilst the battery 
in the front banged away at the rebel battery, and soon silenced it. The 
tramp was resumed, the way winding around several hills, slowly, 
in rear of a number of batteries that were constantly engaged in 
firing into the rebels, who occupied the south side of the Rappa- 
hannock River. An occasional reply was all their batteries deigned to 
give. 

By evening the once famous " White Sulphur, or Warrenton 
Springs," were reached, and the night was spent a short distance beyond 
them. An artillery duel had been going on all day, and part of the 
ground now occupied by the regiment had been Avrested from the 
enemy, this same Sunday morning, with the capturing of forty " reb " 
prisoners. 

The beautiful weather of the twenty-fifth made all feel more com- 
fortable, and the Springs were left just after sunrise, in jolly spirits, 
with a rumor floating around that Kelly's Ford was to be revisited. 
The lively nimbleness of a camp rumor beats Paddy's flea all hollow. 
About noon the pretty little town of Warrenton came in sight, where a 
halt of several hours took place. 

Here a former ofiicer of the regiment. Captain Edward C. Baird, 
then serving as Assistant Adjutant General on the stafl' of General 
Meade, called to see the boys, and Hospital Steward John Johnson, of 
the Fifth Pennsylvania Reserves, also dropped in. Both met with a 
hearty reception, and tipped a cordial canteen. 

The march was resumed at 3 o'clock p. m., passing around on the 
south and east of the town, until the Warrenton Junction Railroad 
was reached ; the line of the railroad was followed until 9 o'clock at 
night. It was a diflicult march, mud abounded, and it was so dark that 
it was diflicult to discern objects at a greater distance than the length 
of a man's arm. After the halt an officers' mess debated the propriety 



64 

of eating some chickens secured during the day, before retiring, or to 
wait until the next morning. The march had been so fatiguing, it was 
unanimously agreed to risk the poultry until morning. An hour's 
march the next day (twenty-sixth) brought the regiment into camp in 
a large field at Warrenton Junction, where it remained all day. Many 
enjoyed the luxury of a good wash in a contiguous brook — the first bath 
since leaving Fredericksburg, fourteen da3^s before. 

More Schuylkill County friends found out the regiment at this 
point, amongst them Captain Wils Hartz and Lieutenant Jay Wash- 
burn.-f The latter was in the Quartermaster's Department of Siegel's 
command, and kindly smuggled through to Washington some letters 
written home by the boys. 

The wagons which left the regiment at Kelly's Ford, rejoined the 
command, but left it again the next morning. On the twenty-seventh 
at daylight, the tramp commenced again, returning by the railroad tracks 
toward Warrenton. Two miles had been traversed, when orders to 
countermarch were received, and back to the Junction trudged the 
regiment — thence along the Orange and Alexandria Railroad toward 
Manasses Junction, where the rebels under " Stonewall Jackson," by a 
skillful flank movement, had succeeded in destroying a train of supplies, 
and in capturing General Pope's personal baggage. The Forty-eighth 
proceeded smartly on its way, resting some time at Catlett's Station, and 
ending the day's march at 5.30 p. m., within a short distance of a place 
called Haymarket, where a large body of the enemy were supposed to 
be. Hooker's, Reno's and Siegel's Divisions were congregated in the 
neighborhood. Generals Daniel E. Sickels and Phil Kearney, besides 
a number of other officers of note, passed through the camp of the 
Forty-eighth, indicating the presence of a large army — evidently a 
battle was imminent. On the twenty-eighth, at an early hour, the 
march was continued at a rapid rate toward Manasses Junction, which 
point was reached at noon. Here was the smouldering remains of a 
long train of cars containing army supplies, a memento of Stonewall's 
recent visit. A field just south of the station afforded a resting place, 
and arms were stacked. Toward evening the regiment moved off again, 
encamping for the night near the banks of Bull Run — Company G 
having acted as rear guard all day. 

The next morning, Friday, August 29, 1862, camp Avas broken 
very early, and the line of march following on the Centreville Road, 
until, when within a mile west of the town, the regiment turned to the 
left, and moved toward the Gap which leads to the Shenandoah Valley, 
and rested on the summit of a hill in full view of the coming battle-field, 



65 

that of the Second Bull Run. This point was reached at 1 o'clock in 
the afternoon, and orders were awaited. 

Reno's Division was a fine looking body of men, and were held in 
high esteem by General Pope. Reno anxiously awaited the order to 
advance, and the men of the Forty-eighth really longed for some move- 
ment that should be full of powder and shot. This was to be the really 
first engagement the regiment had experienced. Newbern was felt to 
be merely honorary. All were more or less a trifle nervous, whilst 
waiting on this hill. I believe that every one felt like doing the verv 
best possible ; kind of " spoiling " to become engaged. The regiment's 
first fight, as stated, so all were somewhat over-patriotic and zealous. 
" We'll show 'em, only give us a chance ; now we've got 'em ; we'll give 
it to 'em," and the like, were ejaculations heard from the ranks. It was 
provoking, too, to have to wait there looking on, for the firing was 
terrific, and the battle was raging furiously. The artillery, posted on 
all the surrounding hills, poured an incessant fire of shot and shell into 
the dense woods, where the rebel regiments were concealed, and the 
sharp rattle of infantry, like the pattering of rain, roared fiercely just 
below the Forty-eighth's position. For two hours the regiment watched 
the fierce encounter, more eager every moment to become engaged — 
anxious to have a hand in the fray — in this it was not disappointed. 

At 3 o'clock in the afternoon Nagle's Brigade drew up in line of 
battle, the Second Maryland on the right, the Sixth New Hampshire on 
the left, and, the " noble Forty-eighth " (quoted from Chaplain Beckley) 
fifty paces in rear of th^ line. OflT marched the command, over a 
cleared field, down a fine open slope toward the dense woods out of 
which the enemy was to be driven. 

This wood was skirted by a fence, which had scarcely been crossed 
— in fact the Forty-eighth was just getting over it — when bang ! bang ! 
whiz ! whiz ! and 'the fight was on, the beginning being brisk, fiery and 
bloody. The regiment did well, marching with the steadiness of regu- 
lars, it never quailed before the first shower of leaden hail. 

General Strothers, aide on the staflf of General Pope, well known 
as " Porte Crayon," brought the order to General Reno sending Nagle's 
Brigade into action, and he witnessed the advance, and says of it, " the 
order was promptly and gallantly executed, the troops moving in beau- 
tiful order and with admirable spirit. I accompanied the advance until 
they passed the guns beyond the summit and remained there admiring." 
He further says that " the air was lively with singing bullets," and 
after the brigade became engaged that " the roar of musketry was 
unceasing." After clearing that memorable fence, no time was allowed 



66 

to dwell upon what was left behind — attention [was fully needed for 
what was going on before. The battalions in front obliquing to the 
right and left, permitted the Forty-eighth to advance, which it did 
promptly, occupying the intervening space, when it opened a destructive 
fire upon the enemy. The regiment advanced firing for about a quarter 
of a mile, when Lieutenant-Colonel Sigfried halted it, commanded 
" cease firing," ordered an advance with bayonets, which were fixed. 
The movement was executed in good style, the enemy being driven out 
of two ditches, one of them being an old railroad cut, a position the 
rebels had not been dislodged from by either the troops engaged at this 
point before the Forty-eighth reached it, or after the regiment retired. 
Receiving a volley of musketry from the rear, and supposing that some 
of the union troops were firing by mistake, the Forty-eighth was ordered 
to the nearest ditch, and the firing to the front was resumed. The fire 
now poured into the Sixth New Hampshire and Forty-eighth from 
front, left and rear, was most terrific. The more frequently the colors 
were raised and spread out to the supposed friends in the rear, the more 
rapid became the musket firing therefrom. At last the rebel regiments 
made their appearance, advancing on the left and rear of the Forty- 
eighth. As soon as discovered the left companies of the regiment faced 
about and opened a lively fire on them. This contest was too unequal 
to last, the raking cross fire poured into the command from front, left 
and rear, left but one course to pursue, a retreat by the right flank, an 
order Colonel Sigfried gave, and one the regiment promptly executed, 
returning fire for fire, retiring in the rear of the approaching New York 
Excelsior Brigade and General Phil Kearney's Brigade, which com- 
mands became immediately actively engaged with the enemy. It is not 
meant to say that the regiment got out of the woods in perfect order ; 
the men were scattered some, in fact a good deal. Kearney was 
•exceedingly anxious to promote those retiring near where he was. All 
engaged can remember the occasion well, Kearney riding in with his 
troops — the reins guiding his horse, in his teeth, and sword in one hand, 

hissed through his clenched teeth : " Fall in here, you 

, and I'll make major-generals of every one of you ! " 

Some of the men under the lamented Gilmour returned to the fight with 
a Michigan regiment, but the commissions promised by Kearney never 
were forthcoming. Although the men came out of second Bull Run 
feeling that the longing for "just one little fight" was considerably cured, 
still the impetuosity of the regiment's attack was tremendous. Properly 
supported, it could have gone clear through the woods without a halt. 
The galling fiie on the left flank and rear, which could have been 



67 

prevented by a supporting column on that flank, was too much to require 
any troops to withstand. The Forty -eighth need never be ashamed of 
its fight that Friday afternoon ; it was a brilliant one, and although 
unsuccessful, there remains the proud satisfaction of a duty well per- 
formed and one fully appreciated at headquarters. Woodbury, in his 
" Burnside and the Ninth Corps " (page 112) says : " The First Brigade 
of General Reno's own Division, composed of the Forty-eighth Penn- 
sylvania, Sixth New Hampshire,aud Second Maryland, was conspicuous 
on this day for the persistence with which it held its ground when 
assailed, and the gallantry with which it advanced to the attack." 

It is difficult to note all the incidents of personal bravery. Colonel 
Nagle was everywhere cheering on the men and barely escaped capture. 
He was ordered to halt by the rebels several times, pursued and fired 
at, but escaped unharmed. His Adjutant-General, John D. Bertolette, 
was wounded in the thigh while ably attending to his duties, and his 
aids. Lieutenants Blake and Hinkle, were actively engaged throughout 
the entire fight. Upon entering the woods, Colonel Nagle and his stafi 
left their horses tied to the fence on the edge of the woods. These 
horses were all captured by the rebels in the flanking movement men- 
tioned. The brigade lost in killed, wounded and missing some 530 
men, quite one-fifth of these going into action. Lieutenant-Colonel 
Sigfried was in the thickest of the fray, encouraging the men by actions, 
as well as words. The regiment lost some 152 in killed, wounded and 
missing. 

One of the most melancholy features of the day was the roll-call at 
twilight that evening, and the noticing of the absentees. To lay bare 
this page of the Forty-eighth's record book would be a painful task. It 
cannot be forgotten who were left motionless in the dire wood, nor the 
unfortunate armless and legless ones. Whatever the past diflferences 
with them, all was forgotten in the one stern fact, that from henceforth 
they would no longer share the lot of their companions in the regiment, 
and the good God alone knew which of the survivors would soon be 
called to share theirs. Fervent prayers of thankfulness ascended to the 
Great White Throne that direful Friday night. 

Although not personally engaged with the enemy until late in the 
afternoon of Saturday, the thirtieth of August, the Forty-eighth was 
under fire all day, and the men showed many excellent soldierly quali- 
fications. The early morning found the regiment occupying the ground 
covered by it immediately after coming out of the fight of the after- 
noon before. A lull in the storm of leaden hail settled over the fiercely 
contested ground until noon, when the cannonading recommenced with 



68 

all its fierceness, and roared incessantly until night. Soon the rattle of 
infantry added its ceaseless din to the uproar, and the work of carnage 
was fully at its height, extending along the entire line from left to right. 
The position of the brigade was changed somewhat further to the left, 
in rear of two other brigades. " Lie down," came the order, and down 
sprawled the men. The shells literally plowed up the ground all 
about. They sh-shssh shou'ed and banged upon all sides. The whole 
battlefield was visible, and presented a lively scene. An order to sup- 
port the centre reached the command. Away toward the left marched 
the brigade, quite a distance, the shells and rifle balls filling the air 
with their shrieking, whistling horror. Halting in the rear of a battery 
that was being fearfully pressed, the regiment witnessed to the full the 
terrors of the battle. The battery was doing frightful execution to the 
rebel charging columns — opening great gaps in their ranks, and filling 
the ground with dead and dying men. Pope, with his staff", occupied a 
prominent spot immediately to the left and front of the Forty-eighth, on 
a knoll close up to the battery that was playing such sad havoc with the 
enemy. McDowell was immediately at the right of the regiment, 
offering words of encouragement to the fearfully slaughtered Fourteenth 
Brooklyn, filing back from the hot front line. Let General Strothers 
speak again — his account of Pope's campaign is so faithful, according 
so closely, as it does with the experience of the Forty-eighth, he knows 
whereof he writes. Of the position now occupied by Reno's Division, 
he says : " A division under Reno had been withdrawn from the centre 
and lay in reserve behind us. The fine appearance and firm attitude 
of these troops, with the smiling countenance of their splendid leader, 
served to dispel all remaining apprehension of a disgraceful rout, which 
for a time seemed imminent. The staff was again grouped around the 
commander, and we took a position with Reno's Division still under a 
biting fire of artillery, the air shuddering with all the varied pande- 
moniac notes of shell, round shot, grape, rusty spikes, and segments of 
railroad bars. This continued until about sunset, when the signal was 
given for Reno to advance. His troops, which had been massed in 
squares, now deployed, and advanced beautifully in two lines of battle. 
When they reached the edge of the woods in front, the roll of musketry 
commenced swelling higher and higher, until it resembled the stunning 
roar of Niagara. Our line, with the smoke of its fire, covered the 
enemy from view, but his advance could be understood by the musket 
balls which struck upon the open ground in front, throwing up little 
clouds of dust, first striking just behind our men and then advancing 
toward us like the big rain drops pattering on a dusty street, until we 



69 

perceived ourselves enveloped in the shower, the leaden drops striking 
among and beyond us. As the enemy's infantry would fall back 
repulsed these insidiously fatal showers would cease, and the more 
appalling, but really less dangerous, storm of artillery would recom- 
mence, while Reno took advantage of the lull to change the position of 
his lines, the first line retiring and the second advancing by right of 
companies, threading through and reforming each on the ground just 
occupied by the other. This pretty manoeuvre was repeated a number 
of times with a coolness and accuracy that would have been applauded 
on a parade ground, and as often as the enemy hurled his columns upon 
our position he met a bloody repulse from the steady fire of these 
veterans. I do not remember how many of these attacks were thus 
repulsed, but I am under the impression that there were four or five, 
and perhaps more. The enemy must have suffered severely here. Our 
loss was trifling, as I saw very few men fall, and very few wounded 
carried to the rear." 

If" Porte Crayon " had been a member of the Forty-eighth, he could 
not have given a truer description of its position. How faithfully he 
has noted the movement through the small pines, and indeed he seems 
to have left no single point untouched. The regiment was the last to 
leave the bloody battlefield, and covered the retreat of the entire army 
to Centreville. It was 4 o'clock in the morning of the thirty-first, when 
the Forty-eighth reached this latter point, soaked to the skin, a heavy 
rain haviug closed over the scenes of the day. This was Sunday, and a 
damp, murky day it was, the endeavor to secure some rest proved futile 
for back over a portion of the last night's road trudged the regiment, 
in support of a battery posted on the Bull Run Road. On the way the 
Ninety-sixth Pennsylvania was encountered, and such a handshaking as 
took place between the two Schuylkill County regiments — it was their 
first meeting, and the boys of both commands were delighted with the 
occasion. 

By evening the Forty-eighth returned to Centreville and a pretty 
fair night's rest was had, preparatory to the hard work of September 1. 

How unprepared the command was for the battle of Chantilly. An 
engagement was expected to be sure, for the troops were hunting around 
for one, but the opening shots found many of the men of the regiment 
up the apple trees of some poor unfortunate's orchard, gathering all the 
luscious fruit within reach. The first shower of rebel bullets brought 
these chaps scampering out of the trees to their places in line, their 
pockets, shirts and mouths filled with apples. Many, from the ap- 
pearance of their shirts, looked as though they had suddenly grown 



70 

immensely corpulent, and so excited or scared was one of the fellows of 
G, that when Lieutenant Pollock desired a portion of his find, eagerly 
raised his arms and shoulders up, pulling his shirt out of his trousers, and 
as the fruit rolled down over his legs and feet to the ground, exclaimed: 
" Here, take 'em all ! " The constitutional cowards, of which the Forty- 
eighth had but a few, were caught fast this time, and were put to the 
most desperate shifts to get to the rear. The first volley was succeeded 
by a lull, permitting the command to get into a good position in the 
woods, on the right of the line, whilst immediately on the left, the 
Roundheads (One Hundredth Pennsylvania) went charging into the 
woods, led by their former Colonel, the gallant General Isaac I. Stevens. 
He fell with the regimental colors in his hand. It was here, too, the 
brave Kearney lost his life. 

Lieutenant-Colonel W. S. Clark, of the Twenty-first Massachusetts 
Regiment, told the writer that he witnessed the shooting of General 
Kearney. Having become detached from his regiment during the fight, 
Clark found himself within the enemy's lines, and to conceal himself lay 
close to the ground behind bushes. In an opening beyond was Kearney 
on horseback, with a cordon of rebel rifles leveled at and surrounding him. 
The enemy evidently wished to capture him, not kill him, but Kearney, 
when called upon to surrender, drove the spurs into his horse's flanks 
and with an oath dashed over the men before him — out blazed the 
murderous rifles and the typical American soldier dropped a corpse. 

The Forty-eighth, although exposed to the rebel fire, held the 
position assigned it until long after dark. The bivouac was on the hill 
'behind the apple orchard alluded to, until 3 o'clock a. m. of the second 
of September, when it took up the line of march for Alexandria. 

What a grand spectacle the Chantilly fight presented ! A terrible 
rain storm with terrific thunder and lightning prevailed during its con- 
tinuance — this, combined with the booming of cannon and rattle of 
musketry, made up a most indescribable scene, outrivaling pandemonium 
itself It was a terrific, horrible, phantasmagoria. 

How eventful are the memories clustering around this campaign — 
a campaign, by-the-by, but little appreciated except by those actively 
engaged therein. The politicians and the press are responsible for 
robbing General Pope of the glory and honor essentially due him, for 
one of the most brilliant campaigns of the war. These great powers 
were educated into their belief of Pope as a great failure, through the 
influence wielded by the Army of the Potomac. This army at the time 
was so bound up in General McCIellan, that any movement not directly 
under his supervision was deemed of slight importance, and its character 



71 

belittled. Despite the action of later years, Fitz John Porter had it in 
his power to give the enemy a crushing blow at Second Bull Run, and 
thus have made General Pope the American people's hero of the hour, 
but this would have cast a shadow over the bright fame of McCIellan, 

His inaction that fated Friday afternoon nipped Pope's already 
increasing popularity in the bud, and kept the fame of McCIellan in 
the ascendancy. 

However, the Forty-eighth has no regrets, save the loss of brave 
fellows sacrificed, for its part in the campaign, and it has no cause for 
shame — its record will bear the most searching inquiry. Woodbury, in 
his book on page 107, says, " But whatever may be said of other parts 
of General Pope's command, that portion of the Ninth Corps, which 
came under his direction, did its whole duty in the most gallant and 
praiseworthy manner." 

The Forty-eighth left the scene of the Chantilly fight at 3 o'clock 
a. m., of September 2, 1862, as stated. The rain had rendered the 
roads almost impassable — the mud was ankle deep. By sunrise Fairfax 
was reached, and a half hour's rest vouchsafed, after which a mile's 
further journey on the Alexandria road found the entire brigade 
stretched across the fields on either side of the road, stopping stragglers 
and " skedaddlers " from getting away. This was amusing work. The 
Forty-eighth occupied the road, and in a little while had halted nearly 
a regiment of these demoralized fellows. 

By 9 o'clock the same morning th,e march was resumed. Alex- 
andria was reached at 6 o'clock p. m., without a single rest, and camp 
pitched some two miles west of the town. The One Hundred-and- 
twenty-ninth Pennsylvania was encamped within a mile and a half, and 
the next day, the third, many of the Forty-eighth found their way to 
its camp, and many of the One Hundred-aud-twenty-ninth visited the 
Forty-eighth. Among whom were Adjutant Green, Quartermaster 
Patterson, Lieutenants Clemens and Coho, and Captain William Wren. 

A much delayed mail reached the regiment on the fourth, and whilst 
busy reading the numerous letters received, orders to " fall in " sounded, 
and by 9 p. m. the line of march was once more resumed. The route 
lay through Alexandria toward Washington. With but two rests the 
Long Bridge was reached by 2 o'clock a. m. Crossing the bridge into 
Washington City, the Forty-eighth trudged the streets without a single 
rest, and bivouacked in a grove on the east side of Seventh street, at its 
northern limit. Excessive marching, exposure to all kinds of weather, 
with the Bull Run and Chantilly fights thrown in, left the regiment in 
a pretty well used up condition, and it was hoped when this point in 



72 

Washington was reached after this last most severe march, time would 
be allowed for some recuperation. Early on the morning of the fifth, 
the command moved across Seventh street, and went into a sort of 
regular camp as well as it could without tents, knapsacks, or other 
baggage. A visit into Washington City exhibited wonderful improve- 
ments in the place within a year, the war had infused an enterprise 
unheard of before. Burnside, the ever popular and loved Commander 
of the Ninth Corps, visited the camps, and as usual the " boys " gave 
him rousing cheers. The pie and cake venders, who infested the camps, 
suffered greatly on and after the sixth, by reason of General Reno's 
order forbidding the sale to the troops of these articles of diet. The 
men consoled themselves with watermelons, peaches and ripe fruit 
generally. New clothing, blankets, knapsacks, etc., were issued to the 
command to replace those lost at Second Bull Run. 




Colonel Geo. W. Gowen. 



Lieut. Col. Richard M. Jones, 



CHAPTER VI. 



MCCLELLAN'S LAST CAMPAIGN. 

Bright and early Sunday morning, September 7, the regiment was 
astir ready to leave at 8 o'clock, but the line did not move until eleven. 
A dusty, dirty march of some ten miles brought the command to a 
small place called Leesboro. At this point information was received 
of the reorganization of the Army of the Potomac, placing Burnside in 
command of the right wing of that army. Reno succeeded him in 
command of the Ninth Corps, Sturgis got the Second Division and 
Nagle remained in charge of the First Brigade. 

The muster of the troops on the thirty-first of August having been 
impracticable owing to the Bull Run fight, it took place by orders, at 
Leesboro, on the eighth of September, and here also a further reduction 
in baggage was required, by which each regiment was only allowed four 
baggage wagons. This reduction brought about a proposition to con- 
sohdate the officers' mess. This proposition was agreed to and the 
consolidation was perfected, with Sergeant, subsequently Lieutenant, 
Edwards, of Company I, as caterer and general superintendent. Johnny 
Howell, of Company H, was made chief cook, with two colored men 
to assist in the heavy work. 

Lieutenant, afterward Colonel, Gowen was selected as treasurer. 
The dining hall was to consist of five tent flies. The whole proposition 
was born, lived and died in just one day. It never materialized. 

During the same day shelter tents were issued to the command, 
for the first time — an abode all soon became used to. 

On the ninth at 4 o'clock a. m. the regiment was again on the 
move, in a northerly direction. The march covered from ten to fifteen 
miles, and the night's encampment was in a field adjoining the village 
of Brookville. The route lay through a pleasant country, abounding 
in handsome residences, and here and there were gathered in groups, 
ladies and gentlemen, to witness the passage of the trooi)s. 

An all day's rest on the tenth permitted the indulgence in the 
luxuries of the surrounding country — chickens, corn bread and the like. 
At 3 o'clock a. m. of the eleventh the regiment was routed out and left 
camp at daylight, bound, so Lieutenant-Colonel Sigfried informed the 

(73) 



74 

men, some two or possibly five miles — certainly not more than seven. 
The route was northwest. The little town of Unity, where a plentiful 
supply of apples was provided by one of its whole-souled Union men, 
was passed, and the night's camp was located some two miles north of 
Damascus, which village had been gone through, the Forty-eighth 
having made thirteen miles instead of the seven promised. 
J Seven o'clock the next morning found the regiment on the go. The 

march was slow and easy — enlivened here and there by the waving of 
handkerchiefs by the ladies, and cheers of the men living along the 
route. The Baltimore and Ohio Railroad was crossed near New 
Market, in which pretty little town a rest of two hours was had, where 
it was learned that the rebel forces had occupied the place the evening 
before. The march was resumed at 2 p. m., the little village of Kemp- 
town was passed through, the bivouac made on the west side of the 
Monocacy, near the large stone bridge, and in sight of Frederick City. 
The Johnnies had attempted to blow up this bridge, but failed. 

The start on the thirteenth was not made until 3.30 p. m., and the 
tramp through Frederick was a perfect ovation. The Stars and Stripes 
were visible upon all sides. Old and young, ladies, men and boys 
waving it at every house. Cheering greeted the troops at every step. 
Cool water stood before every house, and good things in abundance 
were given the men. 

" We couldn't do this last Sunday, boys, so we'll do it now while 
we have a chance," shouted two young fellows, who were riding about 
on horseback, carrying an immense A.merican flag. This outburst of 
enthusiasm was undoubtedly genuine, and cheered the troops up wonder- 
fully. The way was through the main street, by the residence of 
Barbara Fritchie, who is remembered as a very old lady sitting at a 
windoAV on the first story of her little home, with a very diminutive 
Union flag in her hand. Leaving the town by the pike, a march of 
eight miles brought Middletown in view, when at 9.30 p. m. camp was 
made. The writer has personally very vivid recollections of this 
night's camp, for 'twas here that prince of foragers, Adam Hendley, 
of Company K, presented him with a fine turkey. When Adam's 
haversack was empty, it was an indication of the country being cam- 
paigned in. If anything was to be had, he knew where and how to 
get it. » 

A bright full moon lighted the boys to bed that night — the last 
night some of the poor fellows were to have on earth. 

Little did any one dream that the sun rose, this calm Sunday 
morning, September 14, for the last time to many a brave soul, and ere 



75 

its setting yonder mountain would be ablaze with bursting shot and 
shell, and the air heavy-laden with quick whistling bullets. 

" Fall in ! Fall in ! " sounded through the camp. The Forty- 
eighth promptly obeyed the command. Quietly marching through the 
peaceful village of Middletown, thoughts of home were awakened in 
seeing the children going to Sabbath school, and their gathering seemed 
holy and happy, as viewed through the open door of the neat little 
church. How great the contrast — without and within — the troops 
marching to the field of mortal strife, they gaining strength to battle 
for immortality. 

Crossing the creek at the edge of the town, through the water — the 
fleeing rebels having destroyed the little bridge — pushing on up the 
hill, part of the way through rough fields, and again on the road, the 
cannonading growing louder, and coming nearer. Soon musketry com- 
menced to rattle, and the Forty-eighth knew what that betokened. 
Turning ofiT the road, to the left, into a corn field, the regiment deployed 
in line of battle, and pushing up the hill through the corn stalks, with 
showers of minie bullets whizzing through the air overhead, indicating 
the approaching conflict — reached a stone fence where a short halt was 
ordered. The knapsacks were unslung and packed behind this fence. 
Crack ! crack ! bang ! whiz ! bang ! It was growing lively in front, 
the crowds of wounded pushing through the ranks of the Forty-eighth, 
on their way to the rear, showed that it was hot. 

A group of dusty gray prisoners — amongst them a tall North 
Carolinian, who stretched his long neck out, as though peering into 
futurity, or adjusting it for a halter — convinced the regiment that the 
enemy was being shoved up the hill. " Forward,. Forty-eighth ! " On 
pushed the regiment until a little wooden knoll overlooking Fox's Pass 
was reached. On the opposite side of the ravine the enemy had a brass 
piece, from which they had the impudence to fire right into the com- 
mand. Durrell's Battery soon put a stop to this nonsense — the first 
shot it fired landed right over the gun, and a great scampering took 
place. Nothing could induce those fellows to return for their gun — so 
the Union troops got it. Toward night the Forty-eighth retired from 
this wooded knoll into a cleared field immediately behind and the 
knapsacks were brought up. The firing, however, recommenced on the 
left, and the regiment was ordered to the front again. It advanced 
promptly over the wooded knoll to the front line along the fence which 
surrounded the little triangular field overlooking the house and garden, 
where the rebel dead were so thickly strewn around — Company B was 
thrown into the woods as skirmishers, covering and guarding the left 



76 

flank of the regiment. Just as this position was assumed the firing 
slackened off — the foe seeming to have retired — but it was only a 
temporary lull. Two regiments were in reserve — behind the Forty- 
eighth — one to the left rear and the other to the right rear. The 
gathering shades of night were gradually shutting in surrounding 
objects, when the gallant Reno rode down the line of the regiment from 
left to right, and halting a short distance from the right, in a clear 
space, was observing the position of the rebel lines. A furious volley 
of musketry poured into the ranks, so suddenly and unexpectedly that 
the regiments in reserve I'eplied equally as furiously, much to the great 
discomfiture of the Forty-eighth, as it brought the command between 
two fires. This onslaught ceased as suddenly as it began, and silence 
ensued, but how sad the consequences. During that fire Reno fell, 
mortally wounded, and who can say what bullets pierced him — friend's 
or foe's ? Ah ! the little General was well loved — his loss was a great 
blow to the Ninth Corps ; the bitterness would have been lessened but 
for the lingering doubt of his having been killed by rebel shots. 

As General Reno was being carried to the rear, on a stretcher, he 
hailed General Sturgis, in his characteristic cheerful manner. " Halloo, 
Sam, I'm dead ! " His tone was so firm and natural that his friend 
could not believe him seriously hurt, and replied, " Oh, no, General, 
not so bad as that, I hope." " Yes, yes," he repeated, " I'm dead, good 
by," and died a few moments after.* 

This disastrous volley was the first fire on the skirmishers, for soon 
after the sad occurrence related, the engagement again became general, 
and fast and furious came the leaden showers from rebel muskets. The 
regiment did as much in reply ; shot was answered by shot, sixty rounds 
of ammunition per man was expended, and some of the boys were so 
excited that they forgot to Avithdraw their ramrods, in consequence of 
which the good fence, which kindly sheltered them from the deadly 
fire of the enemy, was tastefully decorated with several of these articles. 
The men of the regiment behaved admirably in this fight. The con- 
fusion occasioned by the regiments in reserve firing into the Forty- 
eighth was calculated to throw the best troops into disorder. The line, 
however, remained intact, and many of the officers and men assisted in 
arresting the disorder in the reserved regiments. The men were cool 
and collected, they fired deliberately, those of the rear rank rising to 
avoid the possibility of harming a front rank man. Hostilities ceased 
when it became too dark to distinguish objects ahead. The Second 



* Strother's Pergonal Recollections of the War. 



77 

Maryland coming up relieved the Forty-eighth, which retired to replen- 
ish empty cartridge boxes and fill up nature's haversack. A first-rate 
night's sleep was had in the corn field immediately behind the stone 
fence, where the knapsacks had first been left, and the command awoke 
the next morning much refreshed. 

During the night the " rebs " had decamped and South Mountain 
was in the undisputed possession of the Union troops. The result of 
the preceding day's work was curiously examined. Sergeant Robert 
Smith, of G, obtaining permission to go on a tour of observation, 
reported back in about an hour, that he had counted 105 bodies of 
dead rebels immediately around the little triangular field, one side of 
which the Fort3^-eighth occupied ! Sickening horrors and dreadful 
sights surrounded the house and garden referred to before. A well in 
this garden became the grave of seventy-five dead Confederates. A 
rude board, marking the spot, had roughly carved upon it the letters 
" C. S. A." War makes brutes of human beings, these dead soldiers 
were men like those burying them, but no one stopped to think of that ; 
haste to cover them out of sight was the principal thing, and the well 
afforded a convenient receptacle ! 

Procuring a fresh supply of ammunition, the Forty-eighth moved 
oflf at noon, of the fifteenth, going through Fox's Pass, westerly, noting 
at every step the sad havoc made in the ranks of the retreating foe. 
Many a stark dead body marked the ground they had been driven 
from ; there were instances where they were piled on the side of the 
road, having been dragged out of the way of the wheels of the artillery. 
A number of straggling Johnnies were picked up on the way, rather 
glad at being made prisoners. A halt was called at 6 o'clock in the 
evening, and whilst preparing to bivouac in a large field. General 
Burnside came along, and directed a further move forward. An hour 
and a half additional marching was made before the command halted 
for the night. 

The advance was continued on the sixteenth, the Forty-eighth mov- 
ing at 3 p. m., but only making about a mile, taking up a position in a 
gully behind a corn field, to the left of a wagon road. At this point, and 
indeed all day, the command was exposed to the fire of the rebel batter- 
ies, stationed on the bluffs ])ordering on Antietam Creek. It was not a 
pleasant sensation to the men of the Forty-eighth, lying still, hiding in a 
gully behind a corn field, listening to the bursting of shells all about. 
The lack of provisions was a serious inconvenience at this time, so 
General Burnside was gladly welcomed as he came riding up with 
encouraging news respecting rations. He urged all to do the best they 



78 

could for the time — that a few days would bring all the food needed — 
that the advanced position the regiment had constantly occupied placed 
the wagon trains far in the rear. This advice, or rather counsel, could 
well be relished, as some of the Forty-eighth had seen General Burn- 
side, the same morning, breakfasting on one ear of corn, which he had 
roasted for himself. So long as the beloved commander shared the 
privations of his corps, his soldiers willingly endured empty haversacks. 
The regiment received a fine supply of rations the same night, however, 
about 12 o'clock. 

Those were no unmeaning sounds that awakened the men of the 
Forty-eighth early on the morning of the seventeenth of September, 
1862. How the hills and vales reverberated with the roar of many 
cannon, thundering along the banks of the meandering Antietam 
Creek, and hurling their death shots into the camps of the enemy, 
answered by the equally terrific shower of deadly missiles whirled into 
the ranks of the Union Army, from the mouths of rebel guns. 'Twas 
a fearful morning — fit harbinger of the bloody scenes to follow. 

The regiment moved up to take part in the work allotted it most 
gloriously, and right well it maintained the proud record made at Sec- 
ond Bull Run, Chantilly and South Mountain. 

Charles Carleton Coffin, under the nom-de-jilume of " Carleton," 
gives, in a little book called " Following the Flag," one of the best 
descriptions of the battle of Antietam. His account of the portion of 
the line occupied by Sturgis' Division of the Ninth Corps, is so faithful 
that it is here given : 

" General Burnside's task was the hardest of all. The banks ot 
the river by the lower bridge are steep and high, and the land on both 
sides is broken. The road leading to the bridge winds down a narrow 
ravine. The bridge is of stone, with three arches. It is 12 feet 
wide and 150 feet long. The western bank is so steep that one can 
hardly climb it. Oak-trees shade it. Half way up the hill there is a 
limestone quarry, — excavations affording shelter to sharpshooters. At 
the top there is a stone-wall, a hundred feet above the water of the 
winding stream, and yet so near that a stone may be thrown by a 
strong-armed man across the stream. A brigade of rebels, with four 
pieces of artillery, guarded the bridge. There were sharpshooters 
beneath the willows and in the thick underbrush along the bank of the 
stream. There were riflemen in the excavations on the hillside, and 
behind the trees. The four cannon were behind the wall, with the great 
body of infantry in support. The bridge, the hills and hollows on the 
eastern bank are raked and searched in every part by the infantry." 



79 

In getting into the position assigned, the Forty-eighth moved 
rapidly over the ground in the corn field overlooking Antietam Creek 
and did not linger long around the old log building, or behind the 
fence skirting the creek, but inclining to the right, across the wagon 
road, formed the first line of battle within the shelter of a wooded knoll 
just over and immediately in front of the stone brido-e. 

The regiment was placed here to support the charge of the Second 
Maryland and Sixth New Hampshire in an effort to secure the bridge. 
The four left companies, B, G, K and E, being the only ones advan- 
tageously posted for proper execution, did good work in directing the 
enemy's attention away from the operations at the bridge. It was here 
that a number of the officers of the regiment tried their hands at shoot- 
ing. Especially active in this way was Lieutenant Douty, of K, and 
Captain Wren, of B. The writer confesses to a little of the same exer- 
cise himself, and he remembers a man of his own company being terribly 
frightened by what he supposed was a mortal wound. A minie ball 
passed between his legs, just cutting the skin on the inside of one of 
them, and going through the bottom of his canteen. The water poured 
down his legs, and having been warmed by the sun, he imagined it was 
blood. He was greatly relieved when he learned the truth. The rebels 
on the opposite bluff were fair targets, and the men of the regiment 
made it lively for them. 

" The Second Maryland and Sixth New Hampshire charge upon 
the bridge. Instantly the hillside blazed anew with musketry. There 
were broad sheets of flame from the wall upon the crest, where the 
cannon, double shotted, poured streams of canister upon the narrow 
passage. The head of the column melted in an instant. Vain the 
effort. The troops fell back under cover of the ridge sheltering the road 
leading to Rohrback's." * 

The slaughter was terrible, and many a poor fellow was left with 
his " toes turned up to the daisies." 

Another effort must be made, and this time the Second Brigade 
(Ferrero's) was selected. As in the first attempt, two regiments were 
used, the Fifty-first Pennsylvania and the Fifty-first New York, under 
the command of the Colonel of the first, named John F. Hartranft. 
Like the wise, cool-headed, safe commander of troops he always proved 
himself to be, Hartranft first inspected the ground approaching the 
bridge, and finding that the shortest cut led directly down the slope 
immediately off of the bluff occupied by the Forty-eighth, he determined 



* Following the Flag, p. 261. 



80 

to make the rush from there. Massing bis own regiment and the 
Fifty-first New York behind the Forty-eightli, at a given signal they 
rushed down the open hillside, led by himself, and never once stopped 
until they had swept over the bridge, clearing a path for others to 
follow. 

"Carleton" in his admirable account says: "The long, dark 
column is in motion. It emerges from the shelter of the ridge. Again 
the hillside and the wall above became a sheet of flame. Up to the 
bridge, upon it, dash the men in blue, their eyes glaring, their muscles 
iron, their nerves steel. The front rank goes down. Men pitch head- 
long from the parapet into the water. Stones fly from the arches. 
Shells, shrapnel, canister tear the ranks asunder, but on to the centre 
of the bridge and across it, with a yell louder than the battle, up the 
steep hillside, creeping, climbing, holding their breath, summoning all 
the heroism of life, all energy into one efibrt, charging with the gleam- 
ing bayonet, they drive the rebels from the bushes, the trees, the quar- 
ries, the wall ! " 

What an opportunity the Forty-eighth lost ! Had it rushed from 
its sheltered knoll down the hillside, while the Second Maryland and 
Sixth New Hampshire were struggling up the road, nothing could have 
prevented the capture of the bridge by the first brigade. But this is an 
aftersight — the bridge was wrested from the enemy and almost imme- 
diately came the command, " Forward," and the Forty-eighth rushed 
down the hillside, over the bridge, up the steep declivity to the top of 
the bluflTs, from which the enemy were fleeing at a rapid rate. Going 
up the steep road, the body of a rebel officer was seen propped up against 
a tree. "Captain," said Private Clem Evans, "may I get that officer's 
sword?" The desired permission was given. He returned to the 
ranks with the trophy in a few moments, saying that he did not secure 
the belt because the man was not quite dead ! Later in the fight, 
Evans, too much burdened with his find, asked his Captain to accept 
it, otherwise he would throw it away. The Captain took it, and it is 
still among his treasures of the war. 

On reaching the top of the bluflf", the left companies were at once 
deployed as skirmishers, and this skirmish line reached to the top of the 
second hill in time to observe the Ninth New York (Hawkins' Zouaves) 
make their famous charge. The rebel artillery made it most wofully 
hot for the skirmishers, on this open hill top, and the line got under cover 
behind a large hay-rick, where the enemy's operations could be observed 
with more comfort and safety. The Second Brigade in the meantime 
forming line of battle, advanced and occupied the summit of the hill, 



81 

thus allowing the Forty-eighth's skirmish line an opportunity of rejoin- 
ing the regiment. Soon word came to move to the front line, and how 
well it was executed — beautifully the regiment in line of battle swept 
up the hill, scarce a waver discernible, passing the Ninth New Hamp- 
shire at the foot, just returned from an unsuccessful effort to climb the 
hill, and who cheered the Forty-eighth lustily as it swept on. 

" The Division re-entered the fight with the greatest alacrity and 
enthusiasm, and, though they were already somewhat exhausted and 
short of ammunition, they presented a bold front and with great 
courage held the enemy at bay." * 

The command did not walk all the way up that hill — it literally 
crawled a considerable distance. It wasn't healthy to exhibit much of 
one's person in that locality, and care was exercised in this respect. 

The men of the Fifty-first Pennsylvania, lying flat on the ground, 
were blazing away, whilst the Forty-eighth crept as close behind them 
as possible. When the Fifty-first's ammunition gave out, the Forty- 
eighth relieved it — the men scratching forward into the places occupied 
by the men of the Fifty-first, whilst they crawled out and took the 
places left vacant by those of the Forty-eighth. 

My ! that was a hot place ! Thermometer way up above the 
nineties. Whiz ! whip ! chung ! the bullets came pelting into the ranks. 
With a bang and a splutter along came that destructive old shell, which 
filled Douty's eyes with dirt, and bruised his shoulder, tore off Sergeant 
Seward's leg and left Sergeant Trainer minus one arm, as it drove the 
ramrod he was just replacing into poor Callen's breast. Cullen jumped 
to his feet, tore open his shirt to show his captain the wound, and then 
dropped dead atWinlack's feet. Ah ! many a fine fellow met his death 
on the top of that hill and many another carries sad mementoes, gathered 
at its summit. The boys never faltered however — no ; cheered on by 
Sigfried's encouraging cry, " Stand your ground, men — the Fifty-first 
are behind you as supports ! the brave Hartranft and his good men, 
although without ammunition are determined to back up the Forty- 
eighth with cold steel ! " the line held its ground. Thus the fight went 
on, the honor of Pennsylvania being maintained by two of her best 
regiments, either willing to sacrifice all sooner than have her fair fame 
tarnished. 

Holding that hill was too big a task for two infantry regiments 
without ammunition — even the generals thought that — especially as the 
artillery could not get into position to oflfer support ; so, having exhausted 



* Woodbury's " Burnside and Ninth Corps," p. 148. 
6 



82 

every cartridge, the Forty-eighth and Fifty-first retired obliquely toward 
the right to the bank of the creek, where, after replenishing the empty 
cartridge boxes, the Forty-eighth moved up to the front again, just as 
the day faded away. Company G was placed on the front line, 
deployed as skirmishers, to keep watch for the night. 

Solemn thoughts crowd the mind during the silent watches of the 
night succeeding a hard fought battle. Men who arose that morning 
full of health and life had been called to their long account, and those 
left behind might well wonder what the coming day would bring forth 
— where the next twenty-four hours would find this night's survivors. 
These thoughts were quickly dissipated by the appearance of Quarter- 
master-Sergeant Wagner, with a fine lot of boiled beef and fresh coflfee, 
which he had prepared by the cooks and all the men of the regiment he 
found in the rear. What a relish that midnight repast had. But, oh, 
my ! the long pull Jake's soothing syrup canteen was subjected to ! 
Ah ! it was the most delicious draught mortal ever quaffed ! 

The morning of the eighteenth found the regiment occupying the 
front line, a little to the left of the spot defended so fiercely the day 
before. The fight of the eighteenth was nothing more than picket- 
firing — both sides seemed to be exhausted. " One crowd was afraid and 
the other darsen't," as the youngsters say. General Grant commanding 
at Antietam wouldn't have been so quiet on the eighteenth, and thus 
given Lee the opportunity he took advantage of to get back into 
Virginia. Picket, or rifle pit firing isn't pleasant any way, and the 
Forty-eighth suffered from it — a number were killed and wounded. 
Amongst the former brave Sergeant Prince, of Company B. Whilst 
humanely trying to give a wounded comrade just over the skirmish line 
some water for his parched lips, a minie ball pierced his heart. His 
death-cry as he leaped in the air, and fell to rise no more, is still heard 
in the ear of imagination. 

The long hours of that weary day were passed in waiting and 
watching for the reinforcements promised by McClellan, away the after- 
noon before. Hour after hour passed, still no rest, no sign of the 
approaching troops ; tired, exhausted, hungry, and weary, the position 
was tenaciously maintained. At 5 p. m. the anxiously awaited orders 
to retire to make way for other troops reached the command, and the 
regiment's arduous task was ended. The bridge over Antietam Creek, so 
fiercely wrested from the enemy some thirty hours before, was recrossed, 
and an encampment had in an adjacent field, where straw was plentiflil, 
and the night's rest was a good one. The memories of the bloody work 
endured on those Antietam hills bound the remnant of the Forty-eighth 



83 

asleep on the banks of the creek, as no other tie could, and each man 
felt drawn closer to his fellow, through the dangers shared together. 

Early on the morning of the nineteenth intelligence was received 
of Lee's retreat across the Potomac, and orders were promulgated to be 
ready to move at a moment's notice, with two days' rations in haversacks. 
At 10.30 a. m. the regiment moved off, across the bridge so gallantly 
won from the foe, over the battle ground of two days before, and rested 
upon the Sharpsburg road, just on the edge of the town. 

At this point Colonel James Nagle rode up, and inasmuch as he 
had just been made a Brigadier General of Volunteers, receiving his 
commission on the battlefield of Antietam, a speech was demanded. 
The speech was made, and as the General rode off the air resounded 
with the Forty-eightk's congratulatory cheers. 

The march was resumed in a southwestwardly direction. Near 
the Antietam Iron Works the regiment went into camp, remaining here 
until the twenty-sixth of September, but not without incident. At 4 
a. m. of the twenty-third the command was routed up rapidly and 
ordered under arms at once. 

It appears intelligence reached General Burnside that the rebels 
intended to recross the Potomac between the point occupied by the 
Forty-eighth and Harper's Ferry. The alarm was temporary — the 
only loss sustained being a couple of hours sleep. 

There were several unsuccessful attempts made to move and when 
the move finally came, on the twenty-sixth of September, it only resulted 
in a march of two or three miles. The regiment went into camp in a 
large field — with Clark's Battery, Fourth United States Artillery, 
bordering directly on it. Sturgis' entire Division (second) was con- 
gregated in close quarters. The fields of the whole neighborhood were 
occupied by troops. 

The Forty-eighth remained here, undisturbed, until the seventh of 
October. During this sojourn frequent excursions (or incursions might 
be the better word) were made into the surrounding country for pro- 
visions other than hard tack and salt horse. 

A soldier's taste becomes dainty after he's in camp a while, and 
your army fare must give way to more delicate food. Visits to Sharps- 
burg were indulged in to thoroughly inspect that battered old town. 
The close proximity of the Ninety-sixth, One Hundred-and-twenty-ninth 
and other Pennsylvania regiments, composed in part of Schuylkill 
County men, gave occasion for an interchange of friendly visits with the 
Forty-eighth, such as had not previously occurred. The curious had 
ample opportunity in such \nsits to examine the army balloons — as the 



84 

ascensions were made from a neighboring field to Sharpsburg. Dress 
parades were held by brigades. Being very closely encamped, this 
manoeuvre was perfectly convenient, and the effect eminently satisfactory 
— much enjoyed by the participants. Another interesting occurrence 
happening at this point was the presentation by the citizens of Norris- 
town, of two new and exceedingly handsome flags, to their much-prized 
regiment, the Fifty-first Pennsylvania. The ceremonies were witnessed 
by the men of the Forty-eighth with almost as much pleasure as the 
recipients themselves. Drills, inspections, etc., were resumed — a regular 
daily routine of duty observed. 

A rapid packing up took place on the thirtieth of September, 
owing to orders for a move being promulgated — which were discovered 
to have been a mistake, when an unpacking soon settled the regiment 
again. 

Schuylkill County visitors began pouring in, and hearty receptions 
were accorded them. It might be noted here that this influx of visitors 
continued all along until the advance into Virginia, the twenty-seventh 
of October following. It was at this camp that the business of grating 
corn on home-made graters (a piece of tin jabbed full of holes) became 
an occupation of daily occurrence. Much fried mush was the conse- 
quence. It was here also that the entire army was reviewed by President 
Lincoln, Generals McClellan and Burnside. This was a review of more 
than usual significance. The greater part of the Ninth Corps was 
drawn up in line in a field adjoining the camp of the Forty-eighth. 
General Nagle's Brigade (first) was on the right — the second next, and 
so on. To the right were the batteries, and way in the rear the cavalry. 
Upon the approach of the President, a salute of twenty-one guns was 
fired and three rousing cheers given by the men. Then Mr. Lincoln, 
accompanied by Generals McClellan and Burnside, followed by an im- 
mense staff* and cavalry escort, reviewed all the troops. The thin, 
care-worn appearance of the President is distinctly remembered — a 
marked change from a year before. He was dressed in a suit of black, 
with a heavy band of crape on his high black hat. At the conclusion 
of the review he passed through the camp of the Forty -eighth, riding 
between the line of tents and Clark's Battery. " Which is 'im ? " said 
a sorrel- topped Irishman of the battery, as he rushed out of his tent to 
see the President. The lank, ungainly form, mounted on a small-sized 
horse, his feet almost touching the ground, was pointed out to him. 
With a disgusted look he gave vent to an exclamation more forcible 
than elegant, and immediately sank back into his tent. A notable 
incident of the review was the fact of General Burnside participating 



85 

in it, without his sword on — an omission, he afterward explained, 
caused by sheer forgetfulness. 

On Sunday, October 5, the entire brigade, with sidearms, marched 
to McClellan's headquarters — where a service was held, conducted 
by Chaplain Holman, of the Forty-eighth. General Burnside was 
present. 

When the regiment disembarked at Acquia Creek Landing to 
join Pope's Army, a lot of boxes, bundles, etc., were left behind. This 
delayed baggage reached camp on the sixth of October, in charge of E. 
H. Silliman, of G, the " Little Corporal." 

Here McClellan's stringent order, in regard to straggUng whilst 
on the march, was promulgated. 

Tuesday, October 7, following this strict order, saw the command 
astir before daylight, and off to Pleasant Valley by 6.30 a. m. 

The march was over an abandoned road, leading across the South 
Mountain at one of its highest points. It was a difficult tramp — the 
road in places being almost perpendicular. When- the summit of the 
mountain was reached, a glimpse of the valley just marched through, 
revealed a stretch of grand scenery. Farms spread out beneath and 
beyond as far as the eye could reach — whilst the winding Potomac was 
lost to sight amidst the hills far away to the northwest. It was but a 
glance vouchsafed as the regiment rapidly passed on, but the impression 
remains to this day. 

Descending the mountain on the east side, Pleasant Valley was 
reached, and here was a lovely piece of country indeed. By 1.30 p. m. 
camp was pitched on the hill at the western side of the valley. It was 
most delightfully located, on a charming bit of ground, some two miles 
from Sandy Hook. The hills stretching up on either side of the valley 
were filled with camps. The scene was delightfully picturesque — espe- 
cially at night, the camp fires dotting the landscape for miles. 

The reveille and tattoo never sounded so beautifully, during the 
whole service, as in Pleasant Valley. The first clear notes of a solitary 
bugle sounding out the reveille, then bands and drum corps, from the 
innumerable camps spreading over the valley — swelHng out in the air, 
and anon gradually fading away, made up a harmonious " concord of 
sweet sounds " seldom equaled, and, once heard, never forgotten. 

The regiment remained in this delightful locality from the seventh 
to the twenty-seventh of October, 1862, which gave ample opportunity 
for friends from home to visit the command, and every day found 
plenty of these visitors in camp. The prisoners captured during Pope's 
campaign, who had been paroled, and subsequently exchanged, rejoined 



86 

the regiment in Pleasant Valley. The mess was greatly improved by 
the ample supply of good things to be had from the farmers in the 
vicinity. Apple dumplings became a staple dish. To all of these 
comforts and delights, the blessing of most charming weather for the 
most of the stay, was vouchsafed. The brilliant moonlight nights, 
lovely sunrises and charming sunsets, were exceedingly enjoyable. Fine 
log-cabin huts, with canvas roof, were indulged in by the company 
officers, and quite a rivalry sprang up as to which quarters should be 
the grandest and snuggest. Regular drills and school for officers were 
resumed. On the fifteenth of October, an order to be in readiness to 
move at a moment's notice, caused considerable uneasiness, but not com- 
ing on the sixteenth, the regiment felt easier; but an order read on 
dress parade the same evening, to be constantly ready to move on short 
notice, kept the command continually stirred up. From this camp 
frequent visits were made to Harper's Ferry, where, owing to the 
destruction of the bridges, the Potomac had to be crossed on a pontoon 
bridge. The ruins of the United States Arsenal at Harper's Ferry, 
with its accompanying manufacturing shops, was evidence of the 
devastating hand of war. Leaving the pile of broken walls and ruined 
machinery, climbing the adjacent heights, an earthwork thrown up to 
resist an attack from Bolivar Heights, first met the view. The relic 
hunter could here satisfy his appetite in that line, for the ground was 
strewn with pieces of shell, shot, old belts, canteens, etc. This is the 
knoll of ground around and on which the village of Harper's Ferry 
lies. From its summit a magnificent view is had. Looking down the 
Potomac, the Loudon Heights rises in sublime grandeur to the right, 
whilst the Maryland Heights, equally grand, towers up upon the left, 
and the Bolivar Heights frowns over all in the rear. Away to the right 
flows the Shenandoah — pitching with great force over the rapids at the 
Ferry, while to the left the meandering Potomac comes as quickly 
along, and the two uniting immediately beneath, flow on in one grand 
river ! Jutting out boldly from the sides of Loudon Heights — watching 
over the destinies of the Potomac, is the Old Man of the Mountain — 
a face and head formed of solid rock. Turning around, the Bolivar 
Heights, with its hundreds of camps, confronted the beholder, and here 
as far as the eye could reach, the ground was dotted with innumerable 
tents — an army of thousands occupied them ! Descending, a view was 
had from " Jefferson's Rock," revealing the Shenandoah in a different 
light — perched as this rock is, directly over it, whilst straight down the 
precipitous side of the hill, lies the town. One turns from the dizzy 
eminence with a feeling of relief 



87 

Thus, by frequent visits in the neighborhood, the Pleasant Valley 
Camp was relieved of the monotony of " awaiting orders " life. 

On the twenty-second of October, the commissions for the officers 
promoted by reason of General Nagle's elevation to a Brigadier, 
reached camp in charge of Mr. Joseph W. Bowen. 

These commissions promoted Lieutenant-Colonel Sigfried to colo- 
nel ; Captain Pleasants, of C, to lieutenant-colonel ; and Captain 
Wren, of B, to major. First Sergeant Daniel D. McGinnis, of H, was 
made adjutant, vice John D. Bertolette, appointed captain and assistant 
adjutant general, and assigned to duty with General Nagle. 

Owing to the absence of Colonel Sigfried, Lieutenant-Colonel 
Pleasants being in command, entertained the officers of the regiment at 
his company's headquarters the same evening. The atmosphere there- 
abouts was heavy ! 

On the twenty-fifth, an order to move the next day turned every- 
thing topsy-turvy again — at 6 p. m. of the same day, it was counter- 
manded. On the twenty-sixth, just before the regular Sunday 
inspection, an order to move by 10 o'clock a. m. was received. Ten 
came ; twelve came ; dinner was eaten ; 5 p. m. came, and with it orders 
to remain for the night. The regiment retired in the midst of a heavy 
rain-storm. 

Tents were struck early the next morning, October 27, and the 
regiment was in line ready to move at 12 m. By 1.30 it was off, 
marching steadily to Weaverton and Knoxville. Resting a while at the 
latter place, the march was resumed, and passing under the Chesapeake 
and Ohio Canal, through a culvert, proceeded down on the towpath of 
the same to Berlin, where the Potomac was crossed on a pontoon 
bridge, and the command was again on the " sacred soil " of Virginia. 

The march was continued until about 7 o'clock in the evening, 
when camp was pitched in a fine large field in the neighborhood of 
Lovettsville. 

The night proved a very cold one, and the next morning a heavy 
white frost covered the ground, whilst some canteens held ice water. 
The regiment remained here all day, and aided by lots of straw obtained 
in the vicinity, passed a more comfortable night. At 3 o'clock on the 
afternoon of the twenty-ninth, camp was struck, and the march resumed. 
Lovettsville was soon reached. Like all Virginia villages, it was com- 
posed of one-story frame houses, with large porches. The citizens 
appeared to be at home. 

At one corner of the street a bevy of bright-eyed, rosy-cheeked 
girls, caused quite a sensation in the regiment ; the men seemed terribly 



88 

and suddenly afflicted with some bronchial affection, and just as they 
passed these girls, their throats troubled them a great deal, judging from 
the coughing. 

The porches of a large house, no doubt at a former period a hotel, 
were crowded with officers, soldiers and citizens. The day's march 
covered about seven miles, and camp was had some four or five miles 
south of Lovettsville. 

The command was in line and off by sunrise of the thirtieth, and 
by 9 a. m. six miles of ground had been traversed. Tents were then 
pitched in a field adjoining a grist mill, and the balance of the day was 
occupied in preparing the muster rolls for the morrow's muster. 

The thirty-first was spent in camp. At ten Colonel Sigfried 
mustered the regiment for pay. Four months' pay was due, and 
" strapped ! " was the exclamation from all quarters. The evening's 
dress parade was unusually fine, the entire brigade being in line, and 
the manoeuvres gone through together. At this time there were five 
regiments in the brigade, and the display made is well worthy of record. 
The next day, November 1, General Nagle indulged his large command 
in a brigade drill — a diversion he knew only too well how to conduct, 
and of which he was exceedingly fond. Orders were received this day 
directing Captain Gilmour, of H ; Sergeant Robert Smith, of G, and 
Sergeant M. Condon, of C, to proceed to Harrisburg, Pa., to briug on 
500 drafted men to fill up the ranks of the Forty-eighth. This detail 
left during the night. 

By 10 o'clock on the morning of Sunday, November 2, the march 
was resumed. The route was through Purcellville, a small one-story 
frame house Virginia village. The march covered twelve miles. Com- 
pany G was placed on picket duty a mile from the regiment. Early the 
next morning, third, some of the " boys " of this company brought 
down a fine young shoat that had been endeavoring to pass the guard 
without giving the countersign. Foraging some potatoes and borrowing 
a pot from the farmer foraged from, a fine mess of pork and potatoes 
was indulged in. Several turjieys and chickens insisted in occupying 
the men's haversacks. The instinct these fowls seemed to have for a 
soldier's haversack was remarkable. All this, too, with McClellan's 
strict orders about foraging in existence. These soldiers, however, had 
had a taste of Pope's style of campaigning. 

^i At 2 o'clock in the afternoon of this day, the regiment started off 
and marched about six miles — passing through the town of Bloomfield, 
where, the preceding day, a slight skirmish took place, between the 
advance of the Army of the Potomac and the Confederates. Twelve 



89 

o'clock this night the command was aroused, with orders to load — an 
attack being anticipated, as the pickets had been fired on. 

A march of four or five miles on the fourth brought the regiment 
near to and in view of Upperville. The enemy who had threatened the 
evening before had disappeared so entirely that the scouts failed to dis- 
cover his whereabouts. Camp rumors stated that the main body of the 
rebel army was retreating southward. Astir at 4 o'clock of the fifth 
and off by 7 a. m. The weather was cold, cloudy and intensely disagree- 
able. Upperville was passed through shortly after starting, and a 
gloomy enough looking place it was. There were no signs of life in the 
town. It was voted horribly secesh. The town is beautifully located, 
and the outlook exceedingly fine. There were some pretty residences 
to be seen at this time, but the majority of the houses were poor 
wooden structures in a tottering condition. Its general appearance 
denoted desolation and decay. The pike leading out of the town, trudged 
by the Forty-eighth, ran a little east of south in a straight line for some 
miles. Piedmont was reached by 12 o'clock noon. This is a station on 
the Manassas Gap Railroad, the regimental encampment being in afield 
immediately across the railroad. Generals McClellan and Burnside 
rode by the camp during the afternoon. As usual, the cheering was 
immense. The bulk of the army was encamped in the immediate 
vicinity. Distant cannonading was heard during the greater part of 
the day. 

On the sixth the regiment was off by 8 a. m., but after accomplish- 
ing a mile's march, was obliged to halt until 12 o'clock noon, to permit 
of a division of troops coming in on another road, to precede it. The 
rest of the march was disagreeable in the extreme, entirely at too rapid 
a gait, and with but two rests. 

An ammunition wagon belonging to the First Division of the Ninth 
Corps exploded on the road, igniting from a camp-fire. A wide circuit 
had to be made around this wreck, to prevent accident resulting from 
the discharge of any unexploded material. 

Encampment was made at the " Summit," at 7 p. m. The weather 
was quite cold. During the seventh of November, a heavy snow storm set 
in, lasting all day, and completely covering the ground. Large fires were 
built to keep all warm, and it was hoped that another night would be 
spent in this camp, but 4 p. m. saw the regiment on the move. Trudging 
along in wretchedly cold weather, with wind blowing, and snow falling 
rapidly is not the most pleasant occupation in the world. Whilst resting 
at a little place called Orleans, General Burnside passed — the cheering 
was lusty. Great concern was expressed for the General, lest the cold 



90 

snow flakes beating down on his bald head, as he uncovered in ac- 
knowledgment of the cheers, might be injurious to his health. 

Darkness overtook the command as it trotted on, A long halt was 
had on top of a bleak, barren hill, where the wind had full scope. Con- 
jectures as to the cause of the halt were set at rest by the discovery that 
the " wrong road " had been taken. 

Back tramped the regiment, the men cold and cross at finding 
themselves four miles out of the way. On reaching the right road a 
bivouac was ordered. 

This march inspired the poetic mind of Captain Reno, of General 
Sturgis' staff. He is emphatic of language, but having been there, the 
Forty -eighth believe he only does justice to the occasion. 

It must be remembered that it was the Second Brigade, not Nagle's, 
that lead the march on this occasion. 

Reno gave vent as follows : 

The d — dst march that ever was made, 

Since the days of ohl King Pharaoh, 
Was that march made by the Second Brigade, 

Under Brigadier-General Ferrero. 

The snow storm ceased during the night, and the weather moder- 
ated considerably by the morning of the eighth of November. 

The march was resumed about 9 o'clock a. m., and lasted a couple 
of hours, when the Rappahannock River was reached at a place called 
Waterloo, where the regiment encamped in a fine large woods. This 
was the point intended to have been reached the evening before. 

The camp was quite picturesque — the little white shelter tents 
dotted all through the woods, contrasted beautifully with the deep shade 
and sombre foliage of the evergreens. The next day an order was 
issued dated Washington, November 5, 1 862, directing General Burnside 
to relieve General McClellan of the command of the Army of the 
Potomac. General Burnside reluctantly assumed command on the ninth 
so that this day ended McClellan's connection with the army. This 
change caused much comment. 



CHAPTER VII. 



BURNSIDE IN COMMAND. 

On Sunday, the ninth of November, 1862, General Burnside 

I assumed command of the Army of the Potomac. General Orlando B. 
Wilcox commanded the Ninth Corps; General Samuel Sturgis, the 
First Division, and General James Nagle, the First Brigade. 

On this morning the regiment, snugly sheltered in the woods, 
listened to a discourse from Chaplain Holman, shortly after which 
came orders to move. The Rappahannock was crossed after an hour's 

I march, at Glen Mills, when the turnpike running from "Warrenton 
through Waterloo and Amissville toward Front Royal was reached. 
The march was about three miles on this pike, passing through the 
villages of Cockeysville and Amissville. Near the latter point, on the 

I road toward the town of Little Washington, the Forty-eighth encamped 
for the night in a neighboring field. Shortly after being aroused on 
the morning of the tenth the booming of cannon close by betokened a 

, fight. The command started back over the turnpike, the wagons and 
ambulances hurrying to the rear. " Looks like a skedaddle," say the 
boys, but no. After passing through Amissville the road was left for 
the field south of it, where the entire brigade, the only infantry present, 
was deployed as skirmishers, first platoons of company on line, whilst 
second platoons were held in reserve. 

The whole day was employed in this duty. The calvary in the 
front was busy popping away, and the artillery was engaged all day. 
A rebel brigade of infantry, some batteries and a large body of Stuart's 
calvary had been sent from Culpeper to retard the forward movement 
of the Army of the Potomac. At sunset the Forty-eighth was recalled, 
and encamped for the night near the previous night's camping ground. 
Just about this time persimmons were plenty, and in that delicious 
condition when it is safe to eat them without whistling. The eleventh 

' was spent in camp. At 4 a. m. of the twelfth the command was off, 
back over the Warrenton turnpike, through Amiss\'ille, traveling the 
road taken the previous Sunday, re-crossing the Rappahannock at Glen 
Mills, passing the camp of Sunday, through the camps of the First 

I Division, and at noon settled some two miles southeast of Sunday's 

(91) 



92 



camp. Settled? Yes, until 3 p. m., when tents were struck and the marchij] 
resumed in the direction of Warrenton. At 6 o'clock a road waa 
reached recognized as having been tramped over by the regiment on 
the twenty-fifth of the preceding August, during Pope's campaign. So 
at this point was completed a circuit, bounded by Warrenton Junction, 
Manassas, Alexandria, Washington, Antietam, Lovettsville, Upperville ' 
and Sulphur Springs. 

Two miles further down the pike brought the command to War- 
renton White Sulphur Springs, where it encamped in close proximity 
to a camp occupied by the regiment during Pope's retreat. 

The thirteenth was occupied by many of the men in an examina- 
tion of the buildings at and about the Springs, and in tasting the 
excessively disagreeable water. The main hotel was a ruin. During 
the visit of the August previous, the smoke made by its burning was 
distinctly seen. The place had been a beautiful summer resort, but it 
was a sad wreck at this time. The camping ground was changed at 
noon to one more eligible, on a beautiful spot of ground, with wood and 
water handy. The supply of crackers had become exhausted and cries 
of " hard tack " assailed the ears from all sides. Kemained quietly in 
camp all day of the fourteenth, preparatory to General Burnside's 
onward movement. On the fifteenth, at 6 a. m., the regiment was off", 
passing by the springs, taking the same old road traveled the August 
before. The baggage-train was shelled by the enemy — his batteries 
occupying precisely the same position held in August, and the Union 
guns were brought into position on the spot occupied then. Two or 
three wagons were damaged, and some men were wounded. It was at 
this time and place that Lieutenant Mcllvaine, of Durell's Battery, was 
killed. The trains were moved in front of the troops and the regiment 
followed at a brisk pace, encamping for the night at Fyattsville. Com- 
panies G and H were detailed for picket, and were thrown about a half 
a mile in front of the regiment. On the sixteenth — Sunday — the 
Division (Second, Ninth, A. C.) got off early, and after a severe and 
rapid march of ten miles in a northeasterly direction, encamped on the 
Orange & Alexandria Railroad, midway between Warrenton Junction 
and Bealton Station. Here provisions were supplied in abundance. It 
was 1 o'clock on the afternoon of the seventeenth before the Forty- 
eighth got off, moving in a southeasterly direction toward Fredericks- 
burg. Three divisions of the Ninth Corps marched side by side. The 
Second and the wagous occupied the road, whilst the First and Third 
marched through the woods and fields on either side. Ten miles were 
marched in this way, and the regiment bivouacked on the north side of 



I 



93 

the road. In a disagreeable, drizzly rain, camp was left at 6. a m. on 
the eighteenth, and some twelve miles of road passed over before 
encamping. Many old landmarks, first seen in the march of the 
preceding summer from Fredericksburg to Bealton, were noted in 
passing along. The rain continued on the nineteenth, camp was left at 
6.30 a. m., and eight miles' march brought the Rappahannock River in 
view. Passing on through Falmouth, which the Fifty-first Pennsyl- 
vania occupied, the Forty-eighth encamped back of the Lacy House 
directly opposite Fredericksburg. This place was now in possession of 
the rebels. The pickets on either bank of the river delighted to quiz 
each other. " How did you like Bull Run ? " said the rebels. " Better 
bury your dead at South Mountain," replied the Union boys. " AVhat 
do you think of the election in New York ? " retorted secesh. " How do 
you fancy Lincoln's proclamation, what do you think of Butler? " added 
Yank. "Oh, the Louisiana Tigers will bring him to Richmond," 
rejoined Con fed. " The Louisiana Tigers ? Pooh ! there's none of them 
left; — the last died running," sang back the Unioner, and so it went on. 
Durell's Battery was posted in front of the regiment with its guns com- 
manding the streets of Fredericksburg. A visit to the bluffs overlooking 
the town brought it in full view. The inhabitants were busy — appar- 
ently numbers were moving — wagons heavily ladened with household 
goods were visible, and people were seen hurrying here and there with 
bundles and packages. Rebel cavalry patrolled the streets, and a heavy 
line of pickets occupied the southern banks of the river. The regiment 
remained in this camp until the twenty-ninth of November, resuming 
drills and dress parades. The life was a monotonous one. " Supporting 
Durell's Battery," was the army way of denoting the duty in this camp. 
At 6 o'clock on the morning of the twenty-ninth, having been relieved 
by the Fourth Rhode Island, the regiment moved off" and rejoined the 
brigade — encamping in a heavy pine woods, about a mile back of the 
river. Here comfortable log huts were built by the men, with genuine 
chimneys in them, and before this spot was vacated by the troops the 
handsome forests surrounding the camps were leveled to the ground. 
On the afternoon of December 1, General Nagle resumed brigade drills 
— much to the disgust of all hands interested. The most noteworthy 
event of the second of December was the arrival in camp of Isaac 
Lippman, the best sutler in the corps, with a full supply of " cheeses." 

The third and fourth passed without special incident. The after- 
noon of the fifth brought a most disagreeable storm of snow, hail and 
rain, robing the earth in a fleecy garment. The weather was bitter cold, 
and the fire-places in the log huts were piled with fuel. Some of the 



94 

enterprising spirits of the regiment arose at 1.30 at night to witness an 
announced total eclipse of the moon. It was found entirely too cold 
for much extended observation. 

Nearly all of the regiment picketed the river bank on the sixth. 
The weather continued cold, the ground was hard frozen, and there was i 
plenty of ice. 

The inspection on the seventh was rather a matter of form — only 
about a hundred men in line — the picket detail not returning early 
enough to participate. The day was intensely cold and the ground was 
still covered with Friday's snow. On the eighth an order was received 
from Division Headquarters for the men to build log huts, and to make 
themselves as comfortable as possible. For this purpose no duty was 
imposed, other than guard duty, for two days. Then commenced a 
slaughter of the woods, and the erection of log huts of a more preten- 
tious kind than the temporary efforts before essayed. 

Whilst thus busily engaged, orders for a general inspection at 3 
p. m. reached camp. This was countermanded about fifteen minutes 
before three, and the inspection was indefinitely postponed. 

The hut building was renewed, although a general cleaning-up 
had taken place. On the tenth there was a regimental inspection. 
The pleasant countenance of General Burnside looking on at the 
regimental dress parade, is a notable event of the day. A meeting of 
the company commanders took place at Colonel Sigfried's tent the same 
evening, for the purpose of preparing for the anticipated movement 
against the rebel entrenchment at Fredericksburg. The part expected 
of the regiment was explained, and the company commanders directed 
to keep their own counsel. 

The eleventh of December, 1862, was the eventful day. The men 
of the regiment were aroused at 4 a. m. by order of the Colonel. 
Blankets, with shelter tents enclosed, were rolled to be carried across 
the shoulder as a sash. Three days' rations were placed in haversacks 
and knapsacks, and all unnecessary baggage was left in camp, in charge 
of the sick. The regiment started at 8 o'clock, with the brigade, to 
participate in the assault on Fredericksburg. The artillery stationed 
on the many eminences overlooking the town, opened early and kept 
up an almost incessant cannonade all day long. The Forty-eighth was 
drawn up in line of battle on the summit of a hill, about a half mile 
east of the Lacy House — in the neighborhood of the Phillip's House — 
awaiting the completion of the pontoon bridge. The laying of this 
bridge was a very difficult task — the rebel infantry stationed along the 
edge of the south bank of the river, kept up a rattling fire upon the 



95 

sappers and miners engaged therein. The latter gallantly returned the 
fire, and continued with their work. Some thus engaged were killed, 
and quite a number wounded. Then the rebel sharpshooters, with 
which the houses along the river abounded, turned their attention to 
our cannoniers, who were making it uncomfortable for the rebel 
infantry along the river bank. 

As the artillerymen began to fall, Burnside ordered the town 
shelled. The batteries responded with a will, roar succeeded roar 
in rapid succession, pouring into the doomed town a terrible shower of 
deadly missiles. The cannonading at this time was terrific, rendered a 
thousand fold more deafening by the reverberations arising from the 
peculiar formation of the country. The deep blufl[s overhanging the 
river giving back a hollow sound, like the rolling and crashing of thunder ! 

Noon came. The regiment still lay idly in line. The pontoon 
had not yet been laid. At 3 p. m, it was the writer's good fortune to 
accompany Lieutenant-Colonel Pleasants nearer the town, where oppor- 
tunity was afibrded for a better look at the condition of things. Adju- 
tant McGinness kindly loaned his horse. Pausing in our route, at 
General Sumner's headquarters, there was spread below the once 
beautiful town of Fredericksburg, now in flames, and from all appear- 
ances doomed to soon become a mass of ruins. Whilst gazing on the 
destruction, Colonel Frick and Major Anthony, of the One Hundred- 
and-twenty-ninth Pennsylvania, came up, and proposed going to the 
river edge, which was lined with Union batteries, in order to obtain a 
still better view. Down we galloped, and very soon we became inter- 
ested spectators of a most glorious scene. We were directly over the 
spot where, all day long, the sappers and miners had been endeavoring 
to build a pontoon bridge. This was almost immediately beneath the 
bluff on which the Lacy House stood. The engineers were supported 
by the Seventh Michigan Regiment, and just as we reached the scene, a 
part of this gallant regiment took two of the pontoon boats, and pad- 
dling them across the river, drove the rebels from the banks and sent 
them running through the town. This was done in the face of their sharp- 
shooters. The Michigan boys were a determined set of men and not to 
be dismayed. Soon the entire regiment got across, using the boats for 
that purpose, and although the rebels rallied and far outnumbered 
them, the Seventh stood to the work, beating the foe back in grand 
style. The artillery came to their aid and poured into the town a 
destructive shower of grape and canister. This was enough, and when 
we rode away from the river the brave Michigan men held the town. 
Having both banks of the river the bridges were completed speedily. 



96 

Whilst on this inspecting tour with Lieutenant-Colonel Pleasants, 
the regiment had received orders to return to camp, which it did. As 
preparations were under way to occupy the old quarters for the night, 
orders to " fall in " were given. Back again it marched, expecting to 
cross the river. Another halt, and another order to return, took the 
regiment to the old camp, where it remained for the night, with orders 
to be ready to move in thirty minutes after notice. A sufficient num- 
ber of troops had been sent across the river to hold the town during the 

, night. 

I Early on the morning of the twelfth the regiment marched toward 

the river with the intention of crossing over into Fredericksburg. Two 
pontoon bridges, side by side, were thrown across the river, toward the 
upper part of the town. Couch's Corps, the Second, went over just 
before the Forty-eighth. Whilst passing over, the enemy's batteries 
threw shells into the river with the evident design of destroying the 
bridges. The range was accurate enough, but fortunately the missiles 
fell into the water on either side, or struck the opposite bank, not one 
striking the pontoons. Whilst the Forty-eighth was crossing, several 
shells fell uncomfortably close, but without damage. 

The regiment formed in line on the second street from the river, 
and remained until the afternoon, when it was ordered further to the 
left, and into the street next to the river. A bivouac was had in this 
street — the men lying on fence boards laid on the pavement. Some 
occupied deserted houses. The rebels had kept up a lively shelling of 
the town all day — without doing much damage, however. 

Saturday, December 13, was an exceedingly pleasant day, so far 
as the weather was concerned — warm and balmy — but anything but a 
pleasant one to the torn, shattered and maimed soldiers, who passed 
through the fiery ordeal of that day ! The streets of the town were 
very muddy. Of course the command was aroused early, and all 
could guess the momentous events to come, by the unusual activity 
among the staff officers, who could be seen galloping here and there, 
conveying orders. The Forty-eighth was soon formed, and marching 
still further to the left, halted in line below the railroad. Whilst wait- 
ing at this point. General Thomas Francis Meagher rode by. Who 
can forget his magnificent appearance ! Dressed in a faultlessly fitting 
suit of dark green cloth, black shoulder knots, in the centre of which 
were embroidered silver stars, and his yellow silk sash crossed over his 
breast, denoting a general field officer of the day — superbly mounted 
on a deep bay horse, he made up a picture of unusual grace and 
majesty. One can well understand how, later in the day, his Irish 



97 

brigade fought with the tenacity of tigers, inspired by the magnificent 
presence of its intrepid leader. 

It was not long before the work of carnage began — opened by battery 
after battery sending their terrible missiles hurtling through the air, 
until the vast amphitheatre reverberated with the sound of three hundred 
rebel cannon and as many Union guns. Above the din the sharp rattle 
of musketry soon arose, adding to the terrible work of death. 

The regiment moved to the back of the town toward Marye's 
Heights, and for a time remained stretched out in a street running per- 
pendicular to the river. Whilst lying here the grape, canister and 
shells of the enemy wounded several men in the ranks. Captain 
Gilmour, of H ; Sergeant Nies, of G, and others were slightly wounded, 
one man of Company A was killed. At this point the novel experience 
of seeing a ball or shell coming from the rebel artillery was vouch- 
safed. The ball could be distinctly seen in the air, and the ground im- 
mediately on the left of the regiment was frequently struck ; the shots 
would roll over and over, in the most awkward manner. 

General Nagle and staff were standing under cover of a brick 
stable, not far from the right of the Forty-eighth. A solid shot struck 
the building penetrating both walls — coming out just above the heads 
of the General and staff— throwing the brick-bats amongst them, and 
covering the party with dust and dirt. It was a narrow call, but little 
time was permitted to ponder over it — the order to advance being given. 
This was about 2 o'clock in the afternoon. The Forty-eighth marched 
by the flank toward the right a short distance until some obstruction 
had been passed when the command, " Left face, double quick time," 
came, and running over the clear space down into a hollow, and up a 
slight rise in the ground, the regiment became hotly engaged with the 
enemy. This movement was made under a terrible storm of deadly 
missiles. The command was in full view of the rebels and within easy 
range. As one of the regiment puts it in his diary, " the advance to the 
front over a clean ground with death staring us in the face as grim as 
ever any troops met it." How different the experience of two persons 
apparently placed in similar circumstances. For instance. Lieutenant 
Jackson and the writer were side by side in that " double quick " 
advance to the front line. A shell exploded seemingly immediately in 
front of us, and just above our heads. He was unharmed, save dazed 
by the brilliant flash — whilst Jackson's neck was pitted and marked by 
the powder from that shell — looking as though he had the black small- 
pox. Poor fellow, he was unfortunate in every engagement he was in, 
and finally lost his life at the battle of Spottsylvania. 



98 

The regiment remained on tlie front line until 7 o'clock in the 
evening — expending sixty rounds of ammunition per man, to great 
purpose — for the batteries immediately in its front were at times com- 
pletely silenced by the marksmenship of the men. Lieutenant-Colonel 
Pleasants passed along the line, directing that the ten best marksmen 
of each company should elevate the sights of their pieces and pick off 
the men manning the guns. The effect of this action was soon made 
apparent by the decreasing fire of the artillery. 

" Sturgis is in the hollow, so near the hill that the rebel batteries on 
the crest cannot be depressed sufficiently to drive him out. He is within 
close musket-shot of Coff's Brigade, lying behind the stone wall at the 
base of the hill. Sturgis' men lie down, load and fire deliberately, 
watching their opportunity to pick off the gunners on the hill. In vain 
are all the efforts of Longstreet to dislodge them. Solid shot, shells, 
canister, and shrapnel are thrown toward the hollow but without avail. 
A solitary oak tree near is torn and broken by the artillery fire, and 
pitted with musket balls, and the ground is furrowed with deadly 
missiles ; but the men keep their position through the weary hours. 
The division is composed of two brigades — Nagle's containing the Sixth 
and Ninth New Hampshire, Seventh Khode Island, Forty-eighth 
Pennsylvania and Second Maryland ; and Ferrero's containing the 
Twenty-first and Thirty-fifth Massachusetts, Eleventh New Hampshire, 
Fifty-first Pennsylvania and Fifty-first New York." * 

The regiment was relieved by the Twelfth Rhode Island, Colonel 
Brown. " At dusk the hill became crowded, and seeing other regiments 
still coming up, Colonel Clark (Twenty-first Massachusetts) and myself 
concluded best to return to the city for ammunition, and give room for 
fresh troops to get under the shelter of the hill." f The command 
passed off the hill by the left flank, and retired under cover of a deep rail- 
road cut — returning to the same street and occupying the same places 
utilized the night before. Fresh ammunition was distributed and the men 
•literally worn out soon fell asleep despite the angry tempest of lead still 
raining in the front. The loss was sixty killed, wounded and missing. 

General Wilcox, commanding the Ninth Corps, said in his report 
of the Fredericksburg fight, referring to his command, " All these 
troops behaved well, and marched under a heavy fire across the broken 
plain, pressed up to the field at the foot of the enemy's sloping crest, 
and maintained every inch of their ground with great obstinacy, until 
after night fall. But the position could not be carried." 



* " Four Years of Fighting," — Coffin, p. 171. 
t Letter of Colonel Sigfried, December 16, 1862. 



99 

Colonel Sigfried, commanding the Forty-eighth in this fight, in a 
letter to the Miners' Journal, dated December 16, 1862, said : "Too 
much praise cannot be given all the soldiers (and the following officers 
who were in the battle, viz., Colonel Pleasants, Major J. Wren, 
Adjutant D. D. McGinness, Captains U. A. Bast, G. W. Gowen, 
Winlack, Hoskins, O. C. Bosbyshell, J. A. Gilmour, John R. Porter, 
Isaac Brennan, and Lieutenants H. Boyer, Eveland, John Wood, 
Humes, Charles Loeser, Jr., Bohanon, Fisher, James, Williams, 
Jackson, Pollock, A. Boweu, Shuck, Douty, and Stitzer) for their 
gallantry during the entire engagement. Their line was steady and 
unbroken while advancing under the most murderous shelling of the 
enemy, and their fire deliberate, well aimed and efiective." 

Sunday the fourteenth Avas a beautiful day — the weather was 
delightful. There was a truce to the fighting — both sides remained 
inactive. If the troops were quietly resting, there was a great stir 
among the commanding officei-s. Up at the Phillii^s' House, Bumside 
was in consultation with his grand division commanders — not so much 
in consulting as in directing what he hoped would result in a great 
victory. This interchange of views was of mighty import to the Forty- 
eighth for if Bumside had carried out his intention, the probability is 
that but few of the command would have been left to tell of the fight. 
The regiment was the senior regiment of the corps, and would have been 
directly in front of the proposed assault on Marye's Heights. 

" When the Commanding General left headquarters on the morning 
of the fourteenth, he had made every preparation to recommence the action 
by storming the heights. He knew in such an emergency the Ninth Corps 
would not fail him, and he had accordingly selected the troops whom he 
had before led to victory, to make the attack. He had decided even to 
direct the assault in person. A column of eighteen regiments was formed 
and everything was ready for the movement, when the three grand 
division commanders earnestly appealed to him to abandon the attempt. 
He could not refuse to listen to their persuasions and arguments." * 

'•' General Burnside, eager to achieve victory, prepared to hurl his 
old corps (the Ninth) on the following morning against the fatal barrier 
which had withstood French, Hancock, Howard and Humphrey. He 
was dissuaded by the brave Sumner, who was supported in his opposi- 
tion to the proposed movement by nearly every general ofiicer." f 

So the day passed quietly, the Forty-eighth remaining in the same 
street occupied the two preceding evenings. 



•Woodbury's " Bumside and Ninth Corps," p. 227. 
t Lossing's " Civil War." Vol. II, p. 494. 



100 

Monday the fifteenth found the same inactivity — the regiment 
staying without incident where it had been stationed during the occupa- 
tion of the town. At 7 o'clock in the evening orders to " fall in " were 
given, and the command moved down the same street toward the lower 
pontoon bridge. A halt for some little time took place, when the regi- 
ment moved to the rear of the town, out on to the front line, and 
occupied houses and out-houses — in the walls of which holes were 
pierced large enough to push rifles through. Every preparation was 
made to hold this position against 'any attack the enemy might make. 
At midnight the men of the Forty-eighth were quietly aroused, and 
moved rapidly and noiselessly to the upper pontoon bridge, where the 
river was crossed and shortly thereafter the command entered its old 
camping ground, disgusted and worn out. 

The writer remembers a rather singular circumstance connected 
with the fight on the crest of the hill, on Saturday. It was shortly 
after Pleasants had directed the picking off of the artillery gunners. 
He and Captain Koch were standing together talking, when a minie 
ball struck the latter in the breast, and came out of his back passing 
through the rolled blanket he had slung over his shoulder. The singular 
part of the matter w^as that the writer's eyes happened to rest upon the 
exact spot where the bullet made its egress from the blanket, as he 
distinctly saw the separation of the fibres as the bullet passed out 
before he knew Koch was shot. Fortunately the bullet did not end 
Koch's life, as he is still living in Manayunk and has furnished some 
details relative to the regiment, that have been of value. Lieutenant 
Jackson, of G, commanded a burial party from the First Biigade, 
which proceeded to the battlefield under a flag of truce, to bury the 
Union soldiers, still lying on the ground. "Whilst performing this duty 
he conversed with a number of rebel officers. One said to him, " You 
Yankees don't know how to hate — you don't hate us near so much as 
we hate you. You've yet to learn how to hate," then, pointing to a 
number of the dead Union soldiers, whose bodies had been stripped 
of every vestige of clothing, he added, " Is that not very revolting to 
you? — don't you think it terrible ! " Jackson replied that he did, and 
that no civilized people would be guilty of such desecration. The 
rebel officer replied, " Indeed, I could not be to any other save a 
Yankee" 

After the Fredericksburg failure the army settled down into winter 
quarters. More substantial log huts were built with ample chimneys, 
and the cold weather found these preparations necessary for comfort. 
The regiment remained here quietly until the ninth of February, 1863, 



101 

resuming all the usual routine of camp life. Occasional duty along the 
river on picket added variety to the general monotony. The rigor with 
which old General Sumner exercised his authority was felt severely in 
some cases. Leaves of absence were positively refused. When Colonel 
Sigfried made a personal appeal to the General for some of the officers 
of the Forty-eighth, he replied, " Colonel, tell your command to con- 
sider themselves out at sea for the present." The experiment of 
resigning was tried by some who were obliged to go home, but General 
Sumner put a peremptory stop to this plan by endorsing on such resigna- 
tion, '■ Having resigned in the face of the enemy (naming the officer) is 
dishonorably discharged from the service." Two valued officers of the 
Forty-eighth were unfortunately amongst those who were summarily 
dismissed. In the light of after years, General Sumner's action must 
be commended. He was every inch a soldier — just and fearless, and 
very much in earnest in the work he had to do. Whilst in temporary 
command of the Second Division, General Xagle ordered a division drill. 
This took place on the sixth of January, 1863, and was eminently 
successful. General Wilcox, commanding the corps, was an interested 
spectator of the drill, and commended in high terms all connected with 
it. The winter afforded great opportunities for interchanging visits 
between the various regiments. Officers and men of the Kinety -sixth, 
One Hundred-and-twenty-ninth and others were frequently in camp 
and many parties from Schuylkill County found their way to the army. 
On Tuesday, tenth of January, General Burnside reviewed the Ninth 
Army Corps — ^the Forty-eighth Regiment occupying the t-xtreme right 
of the line — the post of honor. On Friday evening, January 20, orders 
from General Burnside were read at dress parade announcing a move 
" upon the enemy " the succeeding day. The left Grand Division had 
been going by the Forty-eighth's camp all day, up the river. The 
order stated that late victories in North Carolina and the West had evi- 
dently weakened the rebel army on the Rappahannock so that the 
auspicious moment to strike a blow had arrived. 

Terrible rainy and muddy weather set in. The twenty-first came 
and the twenty-second came, with the Forty-eighth still in camp ready 
to move any moment. The roads were in a horrible condition— teams, 
cannon, etc., stuck fast in the mud at almost every step. Part of a 
pontoon train belonging to Franklin's Grand Division got stuck so 
securely in the mud on the evening of the twentieth, that all efforts to 
release it proved unavailing. It unfortunately happened to be on a 
part of the road exposed to the rebel's artillery fire. To prevent 
its falling into the hands of the rebels, it was burned. 



102 

This move of the army proved abortive — the elements were more 
powerful than the army, and the expedition was abandoned. The Forty- 
eighth did not leave its camping ground, and soon became comfortably 
fixed again — willing to banish the recollection of "Burnside's Mud 
March " from the memory. 

On the twenty-sixth Burnside's farewell order to the army came to 
hand. It was a sad event to the command to lose one in whom every 
confidence was had. In this order, he says, in taking leave of the 
army, he hopes he may be pardoned for especially taking farewell of 
his " well-tried associates " of the Ninth Corps. The Forty-eighth 
regiment, during the rest of its stay in the Army of the Potomac, was 
occupied in routine duty — for Burnside's adieu to that army was quite 
speedily followed by an order severing the Ninth Corps' connection 
with it. Somewhere about the sixth of February, 1863, orders were 
received to proceed to Acquia Creek Landing, and there to embark 
on transports to be conveyed to Fortress Monroe to report to General 
Dix. At noon on the ninth, the regiment boarded a train and was 
soon speeding toward the Potomac thoroughly afflicted with "Surfeit 
Rappahannockus," as Commissary Sam Keys, of the First Brigade, put 
it. At Acquia Creek Landing, the Forty-eighth took the United 
States transport "North America," which, as soon as all were on 
board, shoved out in the stream and anchored for the night ; this was 
about 5 o'clock p. m. The "North America" was somewhat crowded, 
having on board the Sixth New Hampshire, the Second Maryland and 
the Forty-eighth Pennsylvania, besides a provost guard of about sixty 
men and numerous hangers on. Early Tuesday (tenth) morning the 
vessel started, steaming down the Potomac, entering Chesapeake Bay 
about noon. The weather was most charming all day. Fortress Mon- 
roe was reached by 9 o'clock the same evening, and under its protecting 
walls the steamer dropped anchor for the night. Under orders the 
vessel steamed up to Newport News on the morning of the eleventh, 
the regiment disembarking at 1 o'clock, and encamping about three- 
quarters of a mile from the landing, in rear of the fortifications, on the 
magnificent plain stretching along the James River. The regiment 
remained here until the twenty-fifth of March without any startling- 
incidents. On the twenty-sixth of February a grand review of the 
corps was had by General Dix, which passed oflT with great credit to all 
concerned. Of course the Forty-eighth made the finest display of any 
regiment in the corps. On the twenty- seventh, the one — only — Sutler 
Isaac Lippman arrived in camp ; his welcome was tremendous. IMany 
amusements were indulged in during the stay at Newport News — horse 



103 

racing, cricket matches, base-ball and the like. Leaves of absence 
became frequent just at a time when the stringent order of General 
Dix looked as if they might not be granted. The Enfield Rifles, after 
a rigid inspection, were condemned, and before leaving the camp the 
regiment was armed with the improved " Springfield Rifled Muskets," 
as much behind the present magnificent breech-loading Springfield as 
those that replaced Enfield's are ahead of the old buck and ball 
muskets. 

One o'clock p. m., of March 25, orders to pack and leave at once 
reached the regiment, and by 4.30 p. m. the command was on board 
the " John A. "Warner," and by seven anchored ofi" the wharf at Fortress 
Monroe. New and strange territory was before the Forty-eighth, but 
exactly where it would be sent was unknown. Whether the boat would 
pass out to sea between Capes Henry and Charles, or steam up the bay, 
was a matter of profound mystery. 



CHAPTER VIII. 



LEXINGTON. 

The " John A. Warner " quietly cast loose from the wharf at 
Fortress Monroe at 3.30 o'clock a. m., of Thursday, March 26, and was 
soon heading up the Chesapeake Bay. The weather was delightful, the 
bay as smooth as a mill pond and the trip to Baltimore thoroughly 
enjoyed by all hands. This city was reached at 9.30 in the evening. 
The Ninth Corps at this time was commanded by Major-General John 
G. Parke, an officer much esteemed by the troops ; the Second Division 
by Brigadier-General Samuel G. Sturgis ; the First Brigade by Briga- 
dier-General James Nagle, and the Forty-eighth by Colonel Joshua K. 
Sigfried, all officers of ability and merit, who had the confidence, 
respect and esteem of the men. Crowded on the same boat, compan- 
ions in the same trip, was the regiment's firm friends, the gallant Sixth 
New Hampshire, with which the Forty-eighth was brigaded during its 
entire service. 

Early Friday morning (twenty-seventh of March) the regiment 
disembarked, and took a train of cars on the Northern Central Rail- 
road. The good people of Baltimore vied with each other in showering 
kindnesses on the men; all sorts of eatables and drinkables were 
provided by them, and the really demoralized condition of a vast num- 
ber of the men of the regiment before that city was departed from, is 
entirely "too numerous to mention." The trip, began so auspiciously, 
proved an exceedingly delightful one. It was much in the nature of 
an ovation, as crowds greeted the " boys " at every station, and a plenti- 
ful supply of good things was constantly distributed by friends. At the 
towns of York, Mifflin, Altoona and Pittsburg, in Pennsylvania, 
Caddy's Junction, Newark, Columbus and Cincinnati, Ohio, bread and 
cofiee were also provided. At Pittsburg the regiment was escorted to 
the City Hall, where a fine repast was prepared, and greatly enjoyed — 
especially in having present many of the Smoky City's fine ladies, who, 
although the hour was 2 o'clock in the morning, lent the charm of 
their presence to enliven the " soldier laddies' " hearts. 

At Cincinnati the men of the command were entertained in the 
Market House with a most appetizing feast, whilst the officers enjoyed 

(104) 



105 

the hospitality of the proprietor of the Gibson House, at a breakfast all 
too delightful to dwell upon. The ride through Ohio was made on 
Sunday, March 29. The enthusiastic crowds of girls, boys, women 
and men that greeted the regiment at every stop, was an experience so 
charming to the men who had been so long campaigning in a country 
hostile to them, that it made the trip satisfactory in the extreme. At 
Harrisburg, the Northern Central road was left, and the Pennsylvania 
Central conveyed the regiment to Pittsburg. Here a change of cars 
was had, and the route lay over the Ft. Wayne & Chicago, then by the 
Columbus & Cincinnati road. The Ohio was crossed in a ferry-boat to 
Covington, Ky., where cars were taken on the Kentucky Central road, 
and the city of Lexington was reached about 8 o'clock Tuesday morn- 
ing, March 31. 

The regiment encamped in the old fair grounds, about a mile from 
the business part of the city, and prepared itself to enjoy to the utmost 
what old soldiers termed a " soft snap," in their being assigned to pro- 
vost duty in so charming a spot. In chronicling the regiment's sojourn 
in Lexington, no attempt is made to jot down daily happenings — a 
whole book, indeed several volumes could be written of what occurred 
there during the Forty-eighth's over five months' stay. It was one 
long happy holiday. General Edward Ferrero was made military 
commandant of the post of Lexington by General Burnside. Upon 
assuming command, he issued General Orders No. 1, appointing Colonel 
J. K. Sigfried provost marshal of the city, and detailing the Forty- 
eighth Regiment as provost guard thereof. Colonel Sigfried entered 
upon his duties on the morning of April 3, with Captain Edward 
Hurlburd, of the Eighteenth Michigan Regiment, as assistant pro- 
vost marshal, and a detail of the regiment relieved the previous guard. 
The ceremony of guard mounting took place in the open space beside 
the Court House, and was witnessed by a large crowd of the citizens. 
Captain O. C. Bosbyshell, of Company G, was the officer of the day, 
and Lieutenants Jacob Douty, of Company K, Thomas Bohannen and 
Joseph H. Fisher, of Company E, were the officers of the guard. The 
guard looked well — boots were nicely blackened, belts, trappings, but- 
tons and brass plates glittered, and white gloves adorned the hands. 
That first day's provost guard duty won the hearts of the jjirls, and the 
boys were ever after satisfied to stay in Lexington, The command 
moved into town on the fourth of April, occupying various vacant 
houses, and the Broadway Hotel and Phoenix Hotel became the eating 
places of many of the officers. On the same day General Nagle 
relieved General Ferrero of the command of the post. Dress parade 



106 

ivas begun in the town on April 6, and was witnessed by a large crowd, 
of which a number of ladies were conspicuous. Praises most lavish 
were bestowed upon the regiment, and by its good conduct, it soon won 
its way into the kind hearts of the citizens. 

General Orlando B. Wilcox was placed in command of the 
Central District of Kentucky, with headquarters in Lexington, 
relieving General Q. A. Gilmore, who went to the front. By 
General Wilcox's orders the Forty-eighth was to be reported as 
on detached service at Lexington. Colonel Sigfried was relieved as 
provost marshal and appointed commandant of the post. Captain 
Hurlburd was made provost marshal. Lieutenant Henry C. Jackson 
was appointed on General Wilcox's staif as acting assistant provost 
marshal of the district. On the tenth of April the regiment was 
ordered out of the houses occupied by the companies to encamp 
near the edge of the town. A dusty trajnp out Limestone street, 
resulted in an order to re-occupy the deserted houses — so back the com- 
mand marched. This was again disturbed on the eleventh, and the 
very spot out Limestone street, reached the Friday before, was occupied 
by the regiment, and became its permanent camping ground during the 
entire term of duty as provost guard. This ground was enclosed by a 
high board fence, with an excellent green sward. A large hemp ware- 
house occupied the centre, and made comfortable barracks for the 
companies — amply spacious for all needs. Two large hospital teuts, 
two sibleys, and three wall tents, erected on the green lawn, served as 
quarters for the officers ; except those of C, H and K, who quartered in 
a building inside the same enclosure. Lieutenant-Colonel Pleasants' 
wall tent was erected in the centre of the line of tents, but in advance 
of them — to his right and left respectively the adjutant and major had 
each a wall tent. On the adjutant's right was a sibley occupied by F's 
officers, and on its right, a hospital tent for Company B and G's officer?. 
On the major's left was A's officers' sibley, and on its left the hospital 
tent of the officers of D, E and I. The surgeon's and regimental hospi- 
tal used one of the buildings in the enclosure. Orders became stricter ; 
passes were required of all officers or enlisted men who desired to be in 
town, and the patrols had many adventures in enforcing these provis- 
ions. Theatre-goers, especially the officers, were loath to show their 
authority for being outside of the camp limits. The regiment was 
blessed with doctors in this camp : Surgeon Blackwood and Assistant 
Surgeons Morrison and Huston, and they found very little to do, for 
the boys were distressingly healthy. Can Morrison be forgotten, as he 
dashed out Limestone street on his little sorrel mare, with "go in. 



107 

Fourth Cavalry," bursting from his lips, and darting into camp with a 
wild war-whoop, rushed clear through the hospital tent occupied by the 
officers of B and G, nearly wrecking that canvas home? He was a gay 
one, but who did not love him? On the twenty-ninth of April, Captain 
Bosbyshell, with Corporal Edward Silliman, of G, and three privates, 
escorted a large number of rebel prisoners from Lexington to Louis- 
ville, and turned them over to the military authorities there. During 
this absence, orders were received directing the Forty-eighth Regiment 
to rejoin the brigade. Colonel Sigfried was relieved as post command- 
ant by Colonel Byrd, of the First Tennessee Regiment, and the same 
regiment took the place of the Forty-eighth on provost duty. How- 
ever, in less than twenty-four hours, these orders were all counter- 
manded. Colonel Sigfried and the regiment resumed the duties they 
had been relieved from. It appears that the citizens of Lexington 
petitioned the commanding officer to permit the Forty-eighth to remain 
on duty in their city. The entire Ninth Corps was on the go, concen- 
trating near Columbia, Ky., with the intention of advancing into East 
Tennessee. About the thirteenth of May, Captain Joseph A. Gilmore, 
of Company H, was appointed provost marshal of the city, relieving 
Captain Edward M. Hurlburd, a popular and much respected officer, 
who, desiring to rejoin his command, had sent in a request to be 
relieved. The officers of the Forty-eighth found detail for guard quite 
frequent — not more than two days intervening between the time of 
duty. Much of the hardships of war were brought to notice in 
Lexington. Loyal Kentuckians and Tennesseans were daily driven 
from their homes by the rebellious element, and scores of refugees 
flocked into the city. It was an every day sight at the provost 
marshal's office to have refugees come in with the most pitiable tales of 
suffering. On Sunday, May 10, a poor woman, with six children, 
entered the office. She had walked over the mountains from East 
Tennessee, with her children, the eldest but fourteen years, a distance of 
over 150 miles. Her sufferings can be imagined. Dependent for food 
and shelter upon the inhabitants by the way, with a dread of bodily 
injury to herself or her wee ones, not knowing where to go, who were 
friends or who were foes ! Good people of the North, what do you know 
of war ? Especially the Civil War of '61 in the border States. Instances 
were numerous where the same family furnished men for both armies, 
and the daughters of Union men were wives of rebel soldiers. Whilst 
commander of the Department of the Ohio General Burnside determined 
to prevent, so far as his jurisdiction extended, the giving of aid and 
comfort to the enemy by persons living in the North and border States. 



108 

Parties were constantly engaged in furnishing information of the plans 
of the government by means of secret mails, which they established 
and carried on as regularly as the United States mail — in some parts of 
the border States more regularly. He therefore issued, on the thirteenth 
of April, 1863, his " General Order No. 38," which became so famous 
through the notoriety given to the arrest and banishment, under its pro- 
visions, of Clement L. Vallandigham, the celebrated Ohioan, who so fre- 
quently declaimed with great vehemence against the government and 
boldly defied its power. The effect of this order was soon felt in Kentucky. 
The concluding portions of it show the force with which it applied there, 
and the peculiar duties imposed on the Union troops stationed therein. 

" It must be distinctly understood (the order read) that treason, 
expressed or implied, will not be tolerated in this department. 

" All officers and soldiers are strictly charged with the execution 
of this order." 

The order was very sweeping in its designations of those who fell 
under its provisions, and it became the daily duty of the "officers and 
soldiers " stationed in that State, to serve notices on the " suspects " to 
move into the rebel lines. This duty was a painful one. In many 
cases it seemed to work especial hardship. It had a most tranquilizing 
effect, however, and was of the greatest importance in encouraging the 
civil authorities in their efforts to keep the citizens true to their allegiance 
to the government, and in upholding the hands of those who remained 
staunch all through the war. 

The writer was commissioned to serve a notice, under this famous 
order, on the wife of a rebel colonel, and it brought him in contact with 
one of Kentucky's large-headed, brainy men. 

One bright summer afternoon, riding out from Lexington, on the 
Limestone street pike, a ride of three or four miles — it may have been 
further — led to a large estate ; it could hardly be called a farm ; it 
rather answered to the country seats of English lords. A neat porter's 
lodge on the road marked the entrance to the grounds. The drive then 
wound around through a beautiful wood, for — well, it seemed half a 
mile before the great mansion was reached. Here, surrounded by all 
the marks of comfort and plenty, lived the well-known Rev. Robert 
Jefferson Breckenridge, D. D., a firm friend of the Union. 

He was at this time about sixty-three years of age, and somewhat 
stooped in figure. Evidently greatly addicted to snuff-taking, as on his 
upper lip and down over his beard were the marks of recent indulgence 
in the habit. Bareheaded, with his hair pushed about as though 
plowed through by his fingers, he was pacing up and down the broad 



109 

piazza in front of his home. It is needless to say that the hearer of the 
order felt the great delicacy of his mission. Dr. Breckenridge was so 
prominent a man, so strong in his justice of the Union cause, and, 
above all, so good and wise, that it seemed an unusually harsh measure 
to put a relative of his under the ban. The leader of the old school 
Presbyterian Church ; a former president of Jefferson College, in 
Philadelphia ; the principal author of the common school system of 
Kentucky ; in favor of the manumission of slaves, and an avowed 
Unionist, was scarcely the man to " give aid and comfort to the enemy." 
Unfortunately, he had a daughter who was the wife of a man who, at 
that time, served in the rebel army as a colonel. This lady was then 
living at her father's, and the " powers that be " decided that to harbor 
the wife of a rebel officer was an offence under Order Xo. 38, and so 
the dauc'hter must go. The venerable doctor read over the notice care- 
fully, after politely requesting its bearer to be seated, and as its import 
impressed itself upon him, the lines about his mouth hardened, and his 
countenance became grim and stern, as he said : " This order shall be 
obeyed." And it was. 

The people of the North scarcely understand the meaning of 
loyalty. They were not surrounded by an element thoroughly antago- 
nistic to any sentiment upholding the Union. To be a loyal man in the 
South, during the War of the Eebellion, required sacrifices and trials 
the like of which no dweller in the Northern States was called upon to 
endure. To be a loyal man in the interior of Kentucky during that 
struggle was as difficult a test devotion to country was ever put to. 
Where such an one was found he inspired the utmost confidence. 
There were some there — steadfast as a rock and true as steel. The 
Forty-eighth found them and can never forget their unceasing kindness, 
attention and helpfulness. 

A grand review of the troops about Iiexington took place on the 
fiileeuth of May, the Forty-eighth carrying off the honors. 

The " boys" were delighted on Sunday the seventeenth to have the 
good chaplain of the Sixty-fifth Illinois Regiment expound the Gospel to 
them, in a vigorous and soul-stirring way. 2s'ot having a chaplain of their 
own at the time, it was quite refreshing to borrow one. Private William 
P. Atkinson, of Company G, an experienced printer, was placed in charge 
of a confiscated printing office, to do army work, and whilst thus em- 
ployed edited and published the Kentucky Loyalist, making it a bright, 
newsy paper, filled with good local matter. 

General Wilcox made his headquarters in a large mansion, which 
had been vacated by its rebellious owner. Having been the recipient 



110 

of much attention by the good people of Lexington, he, with his staff 
and other officers stationed in the city, gave a grand hop in this spacious 
house, to the ladies and gentlemen of Lexington on the evening of the 
twenty-first of May. The house and grounds were handsomely decorated 
—flags, swords, guns, drums, etc., being artistically used for the pur- 
pose—the music came from Cincinnati, which city likewise furnished a 
famous caterer who served the banquet. This was spread in a large tent 
or series of tents opening into each other, erected on the lawn, and 
entered from the porch, upon which the windows of the parlor opened. 
It was a grand affair— thoroughly enjoyed— indeed, the dancing was 
kept up until the next morning, it being full daylight when the guests 
took their departure. 

With much regret the Forty-eighth learned of the serious condition 
of General Nagle's health, which occasioned that greatly respected 
officer to resign from the service on the ninth of May. He* was highly 
esteemed by the command, and all were pained to part with him. "lie 
left Lexington for home on the twenty-second of May with the earnest 
wishes of his soldiers for a safe journey and speedy restoration to health. 
On Monday morning. May 18, the men and officers arose at 4 
o'clock a. m. for the purpose of bidding good-bye to their major, James 
Wren, who, having resigned his commission, started homeward. Major 
Wren was much liked by the command. He was a good soldier, care- 
ful officer and genial companion. When he found all the " boys " up 
so early, at the station, to show their respect and esteem for him, he was 
greatly affected. He departed amidst the lusty cheers of the command. 
On June 3, General Wilcox was relieved of the command of the 
district of Kentucky, by General Hobson. At this time. General 
Hartsuff commanded the Twenty-third Army Corps, and he made his 
headquarters at Lexington. 

Who can forget the unceasing kindness, not only to the sick, but 
to the well also, of good Mrs. Eliza H. Macalester. Many times her 
servants left, at the camp out Limestone street, reminders of her good- 
will in the shape of the best of provender. She was one of many, but 
her attentions were unremitting. The men of the regiment procured a 
handsome and tasty memento, to attest their regard for this good lady, 
and presented it to her with a note of explanation. This elicited the 
following reply : 

To the Bank and File of the Forty-eighth Regiment P. V. 

Gentlemen: Allow me to make my most grateful acknowledgments for 
the very elegant present and flattering note received from you this evening, and 
at the same time to return my warmest thanks for the marked compliment you 



Ill 

lave paid me. Be assiired, I shall ever hold in high appreciation this testimonial 
if yonr regard, not alone for its beauty, nor as having deserved it, but as the 
•ffering of true and noble hearts and from sons of our great Keystone State, 
vhere devotion to their country, in their country's need, has been fairly tested, 
rhat a kind Pro\-idence may surround you, guide, guard and protect you and 
estore you in happiness to your families, is the earnest wish of 

Your Friend, 

Eespectfull}', 
Lcxingion, Ki/., June 6, 1803. Eltza H. Macalesteb. 

Captaiu Bosbysbell, early in June, secured a leave of absence to 
50 bome to join tbe ranks of tbe benedicts. He was married on the 
;wenty-fourtb of tbe same montb, returning to Lexington, witb his 
aride, on tbe eighth of July. 

Tbe following order is published as an interesting episode in the 
life at Lexington : 

OFFICE POST COMMANDANT. 
jrENEKAL Ordeesi, No. T. Lexington, Ky., July S, 1863. 

At the present time, vihen the United States is making gigantic exertions 
to crush out a rebellion which threatens to destroy its nationality, it is espe- 
iially appropriate that the anniversary of the day when the liberty of its people 
was achicAed, and their riglits secured, should be held .sacred and suitably 
celebrated. 

It is therefore ordered, by the Lieutenant-Colonel commanding this post, 
that in honor of the eighty-seventh anniversary of the Independence of the 
United States of America (July 4, A. D. 1863), two National Salutes, of thirty- 
five guns each, be fired from Ft. Clay — one at dawn, and the other at mid-day. 
It is also ordered that the Forty-eighth Eegiment P. V. have a street 
liarade at 7 o'clock a. m., to be ended by a Battalion drill. 

By order of Lieutexant-Coloxel H. Pleasants, 

Commanding Post. 
D. D. M'GlNNES, 

Post Adjutant. 

Quite an excitement was occasioned during the first week in July 
by the threatened approach of John Morgan and his command. The 
Forty-eighth were stationed near the fortifications, in line of battle, for 
three days, awaiting his appearance ; but Woolford's Cavalry and 
others of General Hobson's forces got after them, soon ridding the 
country of their presence. 

Captain Gilmour, having been promoted major of the Forty-eighth, 
was relieved from the position of provost marshal, by Captain Bosby- 
sbell, on the eleventh of July. About the eighteenth of July, Lieuten- 
ant-Colonel Pleasants was appointed provost marshal general of the 
Twenty-third Army Corps, and his administration of the duties of that 



112 

position reflects great credit upon his judgment and good sense. Many 
citizens, who had been arrested and confined in prison upon the most 
trivial testimony, for disloyalty, he, after thorough investigation, 
released and sent home happy. On the first and second of August, a 
large consignment of prisoners, captured by Sanders from Scott's rebel 
forces, reached Lexington — mostly Louisianians — there were 360 of 
them, and their presence caused considerable excitement amongst the 
rebellious portion of Lexington's people. They were sent under guard 
to Louisville early on the third, and seemed greatly pleased with their 
treatment whilst in Lexington. The hanging of a murderer, at the 
junction of two streets, in the suburbs of the city on August 1, by the 
civil authorities, gathered a crowd of the most disreputable people, 
requiring a strong guard from the Forty-eighth to preserve order. 
Before cutting the body down, the sheriff desired Assistant Surgeon 
Morrison to examine whether the man was dead, and on feeling for 
the pulse at the ankle, and finding none, he pronounced him dead sure 
enough. Monday, August 3, was election day. By order of General 
Hartsuff, the doors of the liquor selling establishments were closed, 
and it was the quietest election the city had ever had, so the citizens 
said. 

Brutus J. Clay, an uncompromising Unionist, was elected a mem- 
ber of Congress from the Ashland District. The day was enlivened 
somewhat by the arrival of about 150 East Tennessee recruits for loyal 
Tennessee regiments, en route to Nashville, the rendezvous. Many of 
these men were barefoot, and but few of them had coats. There were 
Tennesseans and Kentuckians with whom the Stars and Stripes were 
safer than with some who wore the blue. 

Of course Lexington was under martial law — it had its post-com- 
mandant, post-adjutant, provost marshal, etc., with a provost guard to 
enforce order. The State was infested by desperate gangsjof men, who 
espoused the cause of the rebels, and formed baud after band of guer- 
rillas. The rule was to regard every dweller in the county as a rebel, 
unless some positive, unmistakable evidence of loyalty could be shown. 
In order to gain correct information, the government established a 
detective agency, and through the detective force employed by it many 
a nicely laid rebel scheme was frustrated. The chief of the force in the 
Department of the Ohio, in the summer of 1863, was Captain Edwards, 
and his next officer. Lieutenant Stone. One certain day in August, 
1863, these two gentlemen reported at the provost marshal's office in 
Lexington, with authority to search for a couple of noted guerrilla chiefs 
said to be in the neighborhood. They departed on their mission — 



113 

disguised, of course, — without vouchsafing any information as to their 
movements. 

In the afternoon of the same day, the post-commandant, post- 
adjutant and provost marshal, started out on the Tate's Creek pike for 
a short ride into the country. It was a lovely afternoon, and the beauti- 
ful scenery of the Blue Grass region never showed to better advantage. 
Our worthy trio were jogging along, enjoAang the ride, when they were 
met and stopped by a farmer. He was a real jolly old gentleman, with 
an honest, open countenance — much disturbed, however, upon this occa- 
sion. He had evidently ridden hard, and had important news to com- 
municate. Seeing that the above officers were in uniform, he inquired 
if they could direct him to " the military authorities at Lexington." 
The post-commandant assured him that he was then in the presence of 
the party he was seeking. The old gentleman then stated that his name 
was Featherstone, but seemed somewhat incredulous as to the party there 
being the " military authorities of Lexington." He was convinced 
finally, and then made the following statement : 

" Well, gentlemen, you tell me you are the military authorities of 
Lexington. Whether you are or not, I want you to arrest a couple of 
men who've been down to my house to dinner ; they're an ugly-lookino- 
set of fellows and talk bad. I think they are rebels disguised, and 
they're here for no good. Any way, I don't like such looking rascals 
about. They were asking me all about the people around here, and 
they seem to know a mighty heap about the rebels living about — 
more'n a Union man ought to. Well, they want to get to Mt. Sterling, 
and asked me the nearest and best road. I told 'em to go through 
Lexington, although the best road takes off this side ; but, you see, I 
wanted these scoundrels captured. My house is on a lane about half a 
mile in from the pike. When they left I hurried to the stable, jumped 
on my old horse and cut across the field to head 'em ofi*— they're not far 
back on the road — you'll meet 'em pretty soon, and I'll get in the fields, 
as it would never do for them to see me with you," 

The old gentleman having delivered himself of this speech, and 
being assured that these bushwackers should be attended to, stationed 
himself in a clump of bushes back of the fence to witness the arrest. 

Riding on a short distance, a bend in the road brought the two 
guerillas in view of the officers — but now how to capture them. Not 
one of the party was armed, not even with a sword ; but there were 
three to two, and this majority of numbers it was determined should, 
if possible, prevail. The parties slowly approached each other, and, 
surely, the rebels were a bard-looking party. One was a long, lank 



114 

fellow in gray, and the other a stouter man in a suit of black, with a high 
black hat. AVhen close enough to distinguish countenances, the provost 
marshal put spurs to his horse and soon reached the worthy couple, in 
whom he recognized Captain Edwards and Lieutenant Stone, of the 
detective force, and shouting to his companions to advance, that it was 
all right, explained the mistake made by Mr. Featherstone. However, 
just around the bend, waited Mr. Featherstone to see if the right parties 
were captured, and, in order to keep up the secrecy of the men on the 
detective force, it was agreed that Captain Edwards and Lieutenant 
Stone should be marched into Lexington, as though under arrest. So 
Captain Edwards was placed between the post-commandant and post- 
adjutant, while Lieutenant Stone brought up the rear, guarded by the 
provost marshal. The procession moved along the pike in a very 
solemn manner, past the hiding-place of Mr. Featherstone ; but the joke 
was relished hugely when at a safe distance. The solemn air was 
reassumed and maintained while the procession was passing through the 
toll-gate and the streets of Lexington, until the prisoners were snugly 
landed in the provost marshal's office. 

The next day Mr. Featherstone came into the provost marshal's 
office, and he was in high glee over the capture of the two rebels. 
Imagine his surprise when the provost marshal turned, and, introducing 
him to Captain Edwards and Lieutenant Stone, remarked that a man as 
thoroughly loyal as he could be safely intrusted with the secrets of the 
members of the detective force. 

" Well, now," said the old gentleman, " I thought you were either 
Union scouts or rebels, and played the latter so well that I concluded 
you ought to be safely housed." 

This incident resulted in friendly intercourse between the aforesaid 
" military authorities " and old Mr. Featherstone, and assured them of 
a Union man whose services and representations could be relied upon. 

On the eighteenth of August General Hartsuff and staff left 
for the front. The Forty-eighth were now almost the only troops 
about Lexington. An artillery company from Ohio had relieved 
Companies B and H, from the duty of garrisoning Fort Clay, 
and these companies rejoined the regiment. Colonel Sigfried was the 
ranking officer left. Major Gilmour commanded the regiment. Lieu- 
tenant-Colonel Pleasants had gone with General Hartsuff, being provost 
marshal on his staff. It was evident the regiment would soon be 
needed at the front. On the eighth of September the marching orders 
came. Ou the ninth the Seventh Rhode Island Regiment relieved the 
Forty-eighth, and preparations for departure the next day were made. 



115 



Coming to Lexington over five months before, prepared to meet with 
coldness and even opposition from citizens of Southern proclivities, how 
graciously the regiment was treated. And the citizens, having in mind 
the questionable behavior of some Western troops, who were to be 
relieved by Eastern, feared from that experience, treatment far worse. 
Both were agreeably disappointed. How gratifying the following, 
received by Colonel Sigfried when the regiment was a hundred miles on 
its way to Knoxville : 

Lexington, Ky., September 10, 1863. 
Colonel J. K. Sigfried. 

Dear Sir: — We cannot iiermit to pass by, your departure from among us and 
the severance of those relations, personal and official, which have afforded us such 
satisfaction, without an expression of oui" respect and friendship to yourself and 
the other officers and soldiers of the Forty-eighth Pennsylvania Regiment. 

Coming among us strangers, you have from first to last treated us as friends ; 
and while you have been compelled to act with firm vigor against the open and 
secret enemies of the government, your administration of affairs has been tem- 
pered with such justice and humanity, and such good order and discipline has 
been maintained among your ti-oops that all citizens who in good faith have 
desired to live peaceably and obedient to law, have felt perfect security from all 
outrage, or even injury or injustice. 

From strangers you have become friends, and while we recognize and submit 
to the propriety of your leaving, in obedience to the requirements of the service, 
it is with painful regxet we bid you farewell. 

Be assured that wherever you may go you will carry with you our warmest 
wishes that success and glory shall attend you, and that through the trials and 
perils which may beset yotir path you and your regiment shall retuin honored 
and safe to your friends and to your homes. 



George Lancaster, 
M. P. Lancaster, 
James Reidy, 
D. Birrbank, 
John Pew, 
George Knight, 
George W. Brand, 
James Hanna, 
George Kraup, 

C. R. Fitch, 

D. O. Newbold, 
P. E. Yeiser, 
Frank Fitch, 
D. Warner, 

T. D. Ballard, 
William Van Pelt, Sr. 
George W. Norton, 



Respectfully, 

J. H. Bush, 

W. Vorhees, 

J. M. Elliott, 

Joshua P. Shaw, 

Squire Bassett, 

Wesley Spencer, 

Henry Wolf, 

G. B. Hale, 

Samuel D. McCuUough, 

Robert McElhinny, 

Hiram Shaw, 

John P. Tingle, 

F. MontinoUin, 

P. C. Hollingshead, 

Jacob Smith, 

J. P. Miller, 

A. F. Hawkins, 



W. C. Goodloe, 
John Carty, 
J. G. Allen & Co., 
M. C. Johnson, 
Edward Crouly, 
H. Shaw, Jr., 
William M. Fishbaek, 
J. C. Harrison, 
Thomas Norris, 
J. L. Watson, 
George A. Bowyer, 
Richard Higgins, 
Fred Fitch, 
Thomas C. Oscar, 
E. K. Stephens, 
J. M. Bush, 
J. R. Sharpe, 



116 



D. A. Say re, 
William E. Bell, 
J. H. Harrison, 

C. D. Carr, 
Thomas D. Carr, 
S. Swift, 

R. L. Burnet, 

D. S. Goodloe, 
Charles Y. Bean, 
John T. Miller, 
H. E. Jones, 
Joseph Mil ward, 
A. F. Jones, 



I. R. Morris, 
Charles S. Brodley, 
C. T. Messick, 
W. T. Downey, 
Cliarles F. Lo%vry, 
W. B. Emmol, 
R. J. Woodhouse, 
John B. Wilgus, 
J. Harper, 
G. R. Dunlap, 
John B. Tilford, Jr., 
R. McMichael, 
G. L. Postlethwaite. 



E. D. Sayre, 
J. W. Berkley, 
John B. Tilford, 
Thomas P. Nichols, 
John B. Norton, 
L. Wheeler, 
E. H. Parrish, 
P. C. Harnett, 
M. T. Scott, Jr., 
A. S. Hunt, 
I. F. Miller, 
W. P. Nichols, 



" This was gotten up," said Judge Goodloe, " in an hour ; sorry 
we had not a longer time, for all our people would have esteemed it a 
great privilege to append their names." 

Such a testimonial was equally creditable to the regiment, which 
merited and received it, and to the inhabitants who thus recognized the 
orderly deportment and splendid service rendered. 

Later on, these noble, patriotic citizens desiring to testify to Colonel 
Sigfried's ability and fitness to command, united, in a letter to the 
President of the United States, dated March 15, 1864, strongly recom- 
mending his promotion to Brigadier-General. Among other things 
they said : 

' ' None hut those who have suffered from the presence of an undisciplined 
and incompetently officered army, can form an idea of the hlessings to a civil com- 
munity of an efficient officer and an orderly and well disciplined body of 
soldiers. The people of Lexington had severely suffered from the former and 
had never fully experienced the benefits of the latter, until Colonel J. K. Sig- 
fried took command of this post, and the Forty-eighth Regiment Pennsylvania 
Volunteers constituted the military force of the city." 





Major Daniel Nagle. 



Major James Wren. 




Major Joseph A. Gilmour 





Major Oliver C. Bosbyshell. 



Major Jacob Wagner. 



CHAPTER IX. 



EAST TENNESSEE. 

The regiment bid adieu to all its good friends in Lexington, on the 
morning of the tenth of September, 1863. Leaving the quarters so 
long occupied it passed down Limestone street to Main, and thence to 
the Kentucky Central Railroad station. The people of the city turned 
out in great crowds to bid good-bye, and the departure was like 
leaving home. The little village of Nicholasville was reached about 12 
o'clock noon. Leaving the train the command moved along a very 
dusty turnpike until within three miles of Camp Nelson, where about 2 
o'clock tents were pitched off the pike, and the camp named in honor of 
General John G. Parke, who commanded the Ninth Corps. The next 
day a regimental inspection was had, and a thorough examination of 
arms, accoutrements and clothing made. The First Brigade of the 
Second Division was reformed, consisting of the Forty-eighth Pennsyl- 
vania, Second Maryland, Sixth New Hampshire, and Twenty-first 
Massachusetts. The Eleventh New Hampshire was temporarily attached 
to the brigade, and remained with it for six days, leaving the command 
at Pitman's, Ky. Colonel Sigfried, being the senior colonel present, 
took command of the brigade, appointing the following staff: Captain 
O. C. Bosbyshell, of the Forty-eighth Pennsylvania, acting assistant 
adjutant general ; First Lieutenant Jacob Wagner, Forty-eighth Penn- 
sylvania, acting assistant quartermaster; First Lieutenant Henry 
Boyer, Forty-eighth Pennsylvania, acting assistant inspector general ; 
Second Lieutenant John H. Varney, Sixth New Hampshire, acting 
commissary of subsistence ; Surgeon Joseph Beatty, Second Maryland, 
acting brigade surgeon ; First Lieutenant Henry Pennington, Second 
Maryland, and Second Lieutenant Henry S. Hitchcock, Twenty-first 
Massachusetts, acting aides-de-camp. These officers constituted the staff 
of the First Brigade during the entire East Tennessee campaign and 
the friendships then engendered still remain green and fresh. 

Colonel Sigfried's orders were to move the brigade to Knoxville, 
by the way of Cumberland Gap. Having a march of over two 
hundred miles to accomplish, he determined to avail himself of the 
early morning, and later afternoon hours, affording ample time for rest 

("7) 



118 

during the heated portion of the day. Orders were promulgated 
requiring a steady tramp for three-quarters of an hour, and then a halt 
of fifteen minutes, with three hours' rest during the middle of the day. 
This systematic march was rigidly adhered to, and resulted in a rapid 
covering of the distance to be accomplished, with a minimum degree of 
fatigue on the part of the troops. So punctilious was the Colonel in 
requiring the brigade bugler to observe the time to blow the " rest " and 
" forward " exactly on the minute, that a deviation would result in 
sharp reproof. Indeed, all who carried watches knew to the second 
when the signal would be sounded, and were ready to obey either with 
cheerful alacrity. 

During the ten miles covered on the twelfth, a terrific rain storm 
was encountered, and the encampment had at Camp Dick Robinson, 
was reached by the command in a thoroughly drenched condition. 
This did not prevent the enjoyment en route, of the grand scenery along 
the Kentucky River — hilly, rocky and romantic. A fine view was 
aflforded from Heckman's bridge, which spans the river high above the 
stream. 

The rain having effectually settled the dust, the marching on Sun- 
day morning, the thirteenth, was greatly enjoyed. The way led through 
the small town of Lancaster, a pretty village, the good folks of which 
were going to service, summoned by the merry ringing of the church 
bells. The noon rest was had on the estate of Judge Lusk, to whose 
hospitality Colonel Sigfried and his staflf became indebted. It was 
quite dark when Dick's River was reached, where the command bivou- 
acked, seventeen and a half miles from Camp Dick Robinson. 

The next day the forward movement carried the command through 
the somewhat noted watering place of Crab Orchard, which at the time 
presented rather a dismal, mean appearance. Some of the springs near 
at hand were heavily charged with sulphur whilst others were exceed- 
ingly briny. 

Camp was made nearby under the wide spreading branches of a 
fine old woods, the delights of which were enjoyed all day of the 
fifteenth, the weather being clear, cool and invigorating. The sixteenth 
saw the command in motion — the roads being exceedingly rough, filled 
with stone and rocks, and very hilly. Eleven miles brought a bivouac 
within a mile northwest of Mount Vernon. 

Camp was broken at 6 o'clock the next morning, and this village, 
consisting of some twenty odd houses, was passed through. It was 
curious to the men from the anthracite coal regions of Pennsylvania, to 
see the people here so easily supplying themselves with coal from the 



119 

veins cropping out on the surface beside the road. They simply- 
shoveled the black dirt into wagons. The way was up hill and down 
dale constantly. In many places the road being extremely rough and 
difficult of passage, especially for the teams. One of the wagons be- 
longing to the Forty-eighth lost a wheel. The command passed over 
some fairly high mountains and rested the noon hours at Big Rockcastle 
River. During the morning a brigade of rebel prisoners, a dirty, 
greasy looking set of fellows, passed on their way to Yankee land, 
having been captured by Burnside's troops at Cumberland Gap. They 
were an hour in passing. 

The march was resumed at 3 o'clock, and the way led over the 
"Wild Cat Mountain, where the first battle in Kentucky took place, 
when Nelson's Union forces used up ZollicofFer's command. Bivouac 
was had at Little Rockcastle River at 5.30, and although but sixteen 
miles were covered, the rough way made the men weary. 

Broke camp at 6.30 a. m. on the eighteenth and marched eight 
miles — within three miles of London, camping for the night. The 
place was called " Pitman's." It consisted of a hotel with a proprietor 
of that name, at the junction of two roads, both leading to Lexington, 
one via Nicholasville, eighty-two miles, and the other via Richmond, 
seventy miles. The day's march was short, but the road was rough. 

The Eleventh New Hampshire was left at this post. 

The march was resumed at an early hour the next day, and the 
noon halt found that nine miles of ground had been covered. The 
First Brigade staff dined at the farm-house of Uncle Charlie Colyer, a 
clever old gentleman who formerly drove teams from East Tennessee 
to all parts of Kentucky, Off again at 1 o'clock, and after marching 
but three miles, went into camp for the night by 3 p. m. 

Here the paymaster, ^lajor Fell, U. S. A., appeared and the boys' 
pocketbooks were thoroughly reinforced. 

Left at 6.30 a. m. of the twentieth — weather cool and damp, with 
a dense fog covering field and road. By 9 o'clock old Sol managed to 
get the better of the fog, and beneath his warm rays the command 
moved along in good shape, until 1 o'clock, when a halt was had within 
a mile of Barboursville. Later on this small country village of scatter- 
ing houses, some stores and a couple of taverns were passed, and a 
bivouac had on the banks of the Cumberland River — fifteen and a half 
miles having been traversed since momiug. Colonel Simon G. Griffin, 
of the Sixth New Hampshire, reaching the command at this point, 
relieved Colonel Sigfried of the brigade, and he resumed the command 
of the Fortv-eighth. 



120 

Off at 7 a. m. of the twenty-first — noon rest after marching seven 
or eight miles. March resumed at 2 p. m. and a camp ground reached 
by 4 p. m. on the south side of the Cumberland River, directly at 
Cumberland Ford, having covered thirteen miles. The command were 
comfortably quartered in an extensive apple orchard. The march so 
far was enjoyed by all — no complaint reached any ears, straggling was 
unheard of and no sickness in the command — all seemed hearty and 
well, not in the least broken down, but fresh and active. 

This camp at Cumberland Ford was amidst the most attractive 
scenery — indeed, as the march followed all day the windings of the 
river, the charms of the richest autumnal effect impressed the entire 
command. 

Broke camp at 7 a. m. of the twenty-second, the fog quite dense, 
obscuring the ford. The three Log Mountains were crossed — the road 
decidedly rough, stony and generally troublesome — noon halt was had on 
Yellow Creek, after a tramp of nine miles. A couple of hours' rest 
and off again, over dufcty roads and exposed to a hot sun. A long 
trudge up the Cumberland Mountain brought the command into the 
Gap by 3.30. How the thirst was slacked at the magnificent spring, 
which was found flowing out from the side of the mountain on the sum- 
mit of the Gap ! A stone is here erected marking the boundary lines 
of Virginia, Kentucky and Tennessee. Emulating the example of some 
earlier writer, the chronicler sat down on Virginia, grasped the stone 
column, and put his right foot into Kentucky and left into Tennessee. 
The command halted for the night at the foot of the mountain on the 
Tennessee side at 4.30, having had a tedious march of fourteen miles. 

Off at 7 a. m. of the twenty-third, halted at eleven, beside a cooling 
brook. Resumed march at 2 p. m., and encamped for the night at 
4.30, on the edge of the town of Tazewell. This town impressed all 
favorably, although a large part of it had been destroyed by fire — the 
blackened ruins showing its extent. Some fifty-one rebel prisoners, 
two of whom were Pennsylvanians, Avere found here, being all that was 
left of 500, the balance having been released on taking the oath of 
allegiance. The day's march, thirteen miles, was much interfered with 
by the wagon trains of the First Division. Left Tazewell at seven the 
next morning and marched to the Clinch River, about eight miles. 
The bridge had been destroyed and the stream had to be waded. The 
ford was a treacheroits one, it being necessary midway of the river to 
follow directly down stream for some distance before striking out for 
the opposite bank. To give the command an opportunity of washing 
clothes, a bivouac was had about 11 a. m. immediately south of the 



121 

river. The tents were pitclied beside the road facing the river. The 
opposite bank, where the command came from, presented high rocky 
cliffs, jagged and torn, extreniely picturesque. The camp was on a 
plateau shaped like a horse-shoe, the river bending all around it. Some 
weeks later on, Sutler Isaac Lippman had an experience at this ford 
which was not pleasant. His wagon stuck in the middle of the river 
and was in imminent danger of being swamped. The proprietor 
danced about on the bank, fearful of loss, exclaiming, " Four tousand 
dollars mit de Clinch, four tousand dollars mit de Clinch ! " Quarter- 
master Wagner came to the rescue with a team of mules and pulled 
the valuable cargo safely to shore. All wagon trains were ordered 
back to Tazewell, to get on the Kuoxville road, as seven miles from the 
river Clinch Mountain barred the way, with an almost impassable road 
over it. Left camp at 6 a. m. of the twenty-fifth and reached the foot 
of Clinch Mountain by 8.30. The road up the mountaio, whilst quite 
steep in places, was found good. From the summit a superb view 
breaks upon the sight. 'Tis said four States can be seen : Kentucky, 
Vinginia, Tennessee and North Carolina. A vast extent of country 
spreads before the vision. The descent was most difficult — the road 
was Uke the one to Jordan, a "hard road to trabble." The troops 
could manage fairly well, but the brigade Avagons, which had 
accompanied the column, had a rough passage. With the aid of long 
ropes, the men prevented these wagons from shpping over the banks 
and falling down the yawning precipices. 

The task was finally accomplished, with the loss of one wheel and 
an iron bolt. The noon halt was had at the foot of the mountain. 
The column moved again at 2 p. m., and by 4.30 the brigade was 
snugly quartered on the south bank of the Holston River, after wading 
through that stream — the entire day's march covering fifteen miles. 

Off about 7 a. m. of the twenty-sixth, a mile's march and Beans' 
Station was passed — where a fine brick hotel was found, used by fre- 
quenters of the sulphur springs, which abound at this point. By 9.30 
Morristown was reached — a shabby-looking little village, a station on 
the East Tennessee & Virginia Railroad. Dispatches were received 
here from General Burnside, directing Colonel Griffin to march the 
brigade directly to Knoxville. The march was resumed over very 
dusty roads, and the noon halt was made at Panther Springs. Jutting 
out of a small hill beside the road flowed an immense stream of water, 
sufficient to operate a large water-wheel just across the road. The col- 
umn moved off at 2 p. m. and encamped for the night at Mossy Creek, 
having traveled'some eighteen miles during the day, which, considering 



122 

the heat and the never ending clouds of dust, was a fair day's work. 
Camp was broken at 6 a. m. the next day. Noon rest at Beaver Creek 
from 10 a. m. until 1 p. ra., when the march was resumed, and Straw- 
berry Plains reached after four miles' tramp. A railroad bridge 
spanned the Holston River at this point, but as the plank-walk over it 
would only accommodate one man in width, the horses had to go three 
miles down the river to find a ford. Colonel Griffin placed the brigade 
in charge of the senoir captain, and with the other mounted officers, 
galloped off to the ford. The command kept on down the railroad 
tracks, but were eventually headed off by the A. A. A. G., conducted 
to the wagon road and finally into a good camping ground, well 
provided with straw, near McMillan's, within thirteen miles of Knox- 
ville. So the Sabbath's march ended, and sinking into piles of straw, 
beneath the brilliant rays of the moon, the command forgot in sleep its 
long, long tramp from Lexington ! 

McMillan's farm was left at 6 a. m. of the twenty-eighth. Over a 
very dusty road, the last day of the great march over the mountains 
from Lexington to Knoxville had arrived. Within two miles of Knox- 
ville, the noon halt was had, a tedious delay having been occasioned 
by a brigade of cavalry heading off Griffin's command at a cross-road. 
Fresh meat was a part of the day's ration during this halt. Lieutenant 
Pennington, of Colonel Griffin's staff, brought orders at 3 o'clock to 
move on, and the column resumed the march, going into camp within 
a mile of Knoxville, on the top of a small hill to the left of the road, 
having gone some thirteen miles during the day. Thus ended the 221 
miles' march, a march remarkable for its extent and the entire freedom 
from great fatigue by the men of the command. The regularity of the 
tramp, with its times for rest nicely adjusted, undoubtedly contributed 
to so satisfactory a result, and is in every way creditable to General 
Sigfried's sagacity and good sense. 

The command remained quietly in camp during the twenty-ninth, 
and greatly enjoyed a visit from Generals Burnside and Parke, who 
rode through the company streets during the afternoon to see how the 
boys looked after the long tramp. Cheers long and loud greeted their 
appearance. 

On the thirtieth a daily routine of duty was promulgated, amongst 
other things, requiring a battalion or company drill every afternoon. 
Colonel Griffin took command of the Second Division, which brought 
Colonel Sigfried to brigade headquarters in command. 

The first of October was a rainy day, and all sought shelter. Still 
quiet on the second. Lieutenant Wagner, acting brigade quartermaster, 



123 

under orders, started back to Lexington to bring forward fresli supplies 
for the command. No movement on the third. 

Knoxville, Tenn., as seen during the war, must have presented a 
far different appearance than the place now presents, still the Union 
soldier could easily discern the many advantages possessed by its 
beautiful location. 

Built on a hill, or several hills, except the northern portion, which 
extends over a considerable plain, low and flat. The houses crown the 
summits of the hills and run down the sides of the same. This forma- 
tion renders many of the streets hilly. There were a number of fine 
looking streets — wide, straight and neatly built up. Some handsome 
residences adorned the town, and the whole place indicated plenty and 
prosperity. 

The venerable Parson Brownlow, wielding a vigorous and trench- 
ant pen through the columns of his Knoxville Whig, has made the town 
famous. Brownlow was a man of strong passion — he could love most 
ardently and he could hate most vindictively. To show his utter 
detestation of treason and traitors, he amended the title of his news- 
paper during the winter of '63 and '64, by adding the words "and Rebel 
Ventilator." He resided upon the outskirts of the northern side of 
the town. His residence was a large, double two-story frame dwelling, 
with a porch in front, from which steps at each end led down to the 
sidewalks. The appearance of the building was much marred by its 
coming out flush with the pavement, instead of standing back, with 
front yard, as most suburban residences do. 

The country about Knoxville is very beautiful, and situated, as 
most of the houses are, on high ground, the views obtained by the* 
dwellers thereof are satisfactory to a degree. The Holston River winds 
around its southern side, and the scenery up and down this stream is 
particularly beautiful and engaging. South of the river a broad 
expanse of excellently wooded country spreads out for miles — broken 
here and there by cultivated farms of the most productive kind. 

The still days in camp were utilized in visiting points of interest in 
and around the town. 

With five days' light rations, without shelter tents or baggage, th,e 
command left camp at 9 o'clock on the morning of the fourth, and 
marched to the railroad station in Knoxville and boarded a train — or 
rather three long trains — the Forty-eighth and brigade headquarters 
occupying the first. By 12 o'clock noon the train started, bound toward 
the Virginia line. The various halting places occupied by the com- 
mand during its march a week before, from Morristown to Knoxville. 



124 

were noted. As the train sped od, the most cheering evidences of 
the loyalty of the men of East Tennessee to the Union cause were 
apparent. At Strawberry Plains, Mossy Creek, Morristown and other 
stations, large numbers of the good, loyal men of East Tennessee were 
congregating, organizing regiments. Many were already armed. It 
was a motley but earnest crowd — gray-haired, gray-bearded men of 
sixty jostled striplings of sixteen, all eager to do what they could to 
uphold the Union cause. The entire trip to Bull's Gap exhibited the 
same expressions of loyalty on all sides — a demonstration not excelled 
north of Mason and Dixon's line. A long stop was made at Morris- 
town, awaiting orders, so that 7 o'clock came before the train moved off. 
Bull's Gap was reached after dark. Colonel Carter was in command at 
this place. He was reported to by ten, and a half an hour later the 
command was bivouacked. 

Early rising was the rule. The night had been cold and the 
brigade felt the loss of shelter tents. Off by 8 o'clock of the fifth, 
marched to Lick Creek, some four miles. Brush huts, supported by 
fence rails, in line of battle, served for shelter, and thus protected, the 
command bivouacked. Occupied the same line during the sixth, 
seventh, eighth and ninth. The brush huts were exchanged for shelter 
tents on the ninth, the preceding days having been without much 
incident. The gathering of other brigades and presence of commanding 
general betokened a forward move. On the eighth, eleven wagons and 
a number of rebels, who were foraging too close to the Union lines, 
were captured. 

A forward movement began at 9 o'clock a. m. of the tenth, cover- 
ing some five or seven miles. Colonel Sigfried received an order to 
push forward his largest regiment, as the commanding general desired 
to post it. The A. A. A. G. carried the order to the Forty-eighth — 
up the boys came double quick on ahead of the entire command, and 
were posted as skirmishers upon a high ridge, the summit of which was 
covered with trees. The regiment went up the hill in glorious style, 
occupying the woods, which it was directed to hold. The balance of 
the brigade moved into the fields on either side of the road to await 
fiirther developments. The cavalry was skirmishing in front with the 
enemy, whilst a battery pounded away, feeling the rebels' position. The 
Twenty-first Massachusetts was next sent in support of the advanced 
battery. The infantry formed line of battle behind the skirmish line. 
The advanced forces were placed in two lines : the Second Maryland 
occupied the left of the front line. General AVilcox, with 4000 new 
troops, was held in reserve. The infantry pushed the enemy, following 



125 

them up. The Second Maryland was sent into the woods to hold the 
crest of a hill. The First Division of the Ninth Corps became engaged 
in a very lively way just at nightfall, but drove the enemy in good style, 
receiving the commendation of General Schackleford, who commanded 
the advance, for the gallant manner in which they went into action. 
Some prisoners were captured, and a number of both armies were killed 
and wounded. Night put an end to the fray called the battle of Blue 
Springs, the victory being achieved by the Union forces. 

Early the next morning orders came from General Burnside to 
inquire of the Forty-eighth and Second Maryland whether any move- 
ment of the enemy had been detected in their front during the night. 
Lieutenant Hitchcock bore this order to the regiments named and soon 
reported that matters had remained as they were the evening before. 
About 7 o'clock Adjutant McGinnes, of the Forty-eighth, rode up to 
brigade headquarters with the information that he had observed two 
engines, with trains of cars, approach the enemy's lines within two miles 
of the Union outposts. 

The writer carried this information to General Burnside, and whilst 
at his headquarters, the reconnoitering parties in front reported that the 
enemy had departed. The troops were pushed forward at 9.30 a. m. at 
a rapid pace, with but two regular halts for rest the entire day. The 
enemy, it was discovered, had mostly departed about midnight, so had 
eight hours' start of Burnside's column. Greenville, the old home of 
President Andrew Johnson, was hurried through — at many of the houses 
little knots of ladies were gathered, who showed their sympathy with 
the Union cause, by vigorously waving their handkerchiefs as the troops 
passed — on the march went, until Rheatown was reached and two miles 
beyond. Colonel Foster, with a brigade of cavalry, had been directed 
to make a detour, get into the enemy's rear and head them off, but like 
many other plans this failed, although Foster's men had a spirited fight 
and captured a number of prisoners, which was left at Rheatown. The 
march covered some twenty-one miles, and the command gladly went 
into bivouac just after dark. 

Remained in camp two miles east of Rheatown all of the twelfth. 
Daylight showed evidences of the fighting with, and flight of, the enemy 
— several of their dead were found by the road, and a number of very 
good army wagons which they had abandoned. An interesting incident of 
this camp was the receipt of a huge mail for the boys — it was heralded by 
Quartermaster-Sergeant Schnerr, and eagerly devoured when received. 

The command retraced its steps, starting at 7. o'clock in the morning 
of the thirteenth, passing through Rheatown and Greenville, and going 



126 

into camp some three miles from the latter place alongside of the rail- 
road. General Wilcox's command was encamped on the hills just east 
of Greenville — his own headquarters were pitched in a field contiguous 
to the road. Expecting to take the cars, all teams and horses were sent 
down the pike to Knoxville — but before retiring orders were received to 
march to Bull's Gap. 

The next morning at 7 o'clock the troops started, not well pleased 
at having to tramp it, when a railroad ride had been expected. Some 
of the usually mounted officers succumbed after tramping five miles to 
Blue Springs, and were obliged to get in ambulances. Rodgersville 
Junction, Bull's Gap, was reached about 1 o'clock. Here Morrison's 
Brigade of the First Division, with the general officers and staff passed 
along on cars — the roadbed and rolling stock so poor, however, that 
it was with difficulty they could get along. This was so vexatious that 
General Burnside directed Sigfried's Brigade to march to Morristown 
before boarding the cars. At 3 o'clock the command pushed on, encamp- 
ing for the night within nine miles of Morristown, having covered 
nineteen miles during the day. 

The column moved shortly after 7 o'clock on the fifteenth and 
reached Morristown by 11 o'clock. Here a train was in waiting and 
with a feeling of intense satisfaction it was soon occupied by the troops. 
A generous mail was distributed on the cars, as the train sped toward 
Knoxville. The forty-two miles were made in three hours By 5 o'clock 
the regiments occupied their old camping grounds, and just got under 
cover when a tremendous rain storm set in. During the eleven days the 
brigade rode in cars ninety-seven miles and footed it seventy-two miles. 

All were glad to remain close to camp on the sixteenth for rain, 
rain, rain, made tramping about anything but pleasant. The next day, 
however, was a glorious, mellow autumn day ! The announcement made 
at dress parade of Curtin's re-election as Governor of Pennsylvania by 
20,000 majority, was greeted by tumultuous cheers, making the old 
woods ring. The Forty-eighth had given the old War Governor a solid 
vote, 264, all present entitled to vote, and so the boys had a right to yell. 

The first Sunday spent quietly in camp since the Forty-eighth left 
Lexington, was that of the eighteenth of October. On the nineteenth 
orders to be ready to move were received — all baggage and men not too 
sick to ride were directed to go along. Intelligence was promulgated 
of the removal of Rosencrans from the command of the Army of the 
West, and the appointment of Thomas in his stead, with Major-General 
Grant in command of all the United States forces west of the Alleghany 
Mountains. Colonel Sigfried assumed command of the Second Division 



127 

in the afternoon, and Colonel Thomas B. Allard, of the Second Maryland 
Volunteers, that of the First Brigade — all owing to the absence of 
Colonel Hartranft home on leave, and Colonel Griffin in Kentucky, 
A mail containing over 25,000 letters, the largest to leave the post, was 
dispatched North this day. Preparations for the contemplated move 
kept the men of the command busily engaged all day of the twentieth. 

Everything and everybody, all prepared to move on the twenty-first, 
but the command was directed to remain until further orders — these not 
coming before night tents were pitched in the old camp. The next day 
was an all day wait with all things ready to move. At 8 p. m. the 
order came, and the command moved to the railway station in Knox- 
ville. By 10 o'clock the train bearing the troops moved off in the 
direction of Loudon. This point, about twenty-nine miles southwest 
from Knoxville, was reached at 1 o'clock a. m. The command bivou- 
acked along the railway tracks — most of the men and officers occupying 
the ties for a bed, with the rail for a pillow. 

A downpour of rain waked all hands good and early on the 
twenty-third. How it did rain — thoroughly drenching every person 
exposed to its fury, A camping ground a little better than the railway 
tracks, was secured in the neighborhood, where the command remained 
inactive all day, as the storm continued, making the roads almost 
impassable. Some few of the horses which left Knoxville by the wagon 
road, the same evening the troops did, arrived during the afternoon, 
but the most of them and all of the wagons failed to get up before the 
next morning, 

A more comfortable camping ground was secured in the woods 
during the afternoon of the twenty-fourth. The town of Loudon was 
on the south side of the Holston River. A number of large chimneys 
indicated a manufacturing village of some pretensions. Burnside's 
forces occupied the north side of the river — the railway bridge across 
which had been destroyed. A pontoon bridge served to accommodate 
the troops. 

The enemy, under Longstreet, was supposed to be in force, some 
six miles south, at a place called Philadelphia. The presence of 
Generals Burnside, Potter, Ferrero and White indicated active opera- 
tions, and the command awaited events with a keen interest. The 
teamsters had serious work in getting their wagons through the rough 
and muddy roads from Knoxville— all of which forcibly reminded the 
men of the Virginia highways — and betokened a rough campaign in 
East Tennessee. October 25 was a quiet Sunday in camp, with better 
weather. 



128 

Reconnoisances on the twenty-sixth failed to discover the enemy 
within nine miles, and the belief obtained in some quarters that the 
rebels were not coming Knoxville way. 

Orders were given on the evening of the twenty-seventh to be 
ready to move at 5 o'clock in the morning, the wagon trains to take the 
road to Lenoir, and sure enough by 4 o'clock the next morning the men 
were aroused and in line ready to move by five. The movement was to 
the river's edge, and then back in rear of a low range of hills, where 
arms were stacked. By 10 o'clock the troops south of the river had all 
passed over the pontoon bridge. The command was taken to the river 
again and the work of demolishing the bridge begun. About three- 
fourths of the task was accomplished when a squad of rebel cavalry 
appeared on the south bank of the river, displaying a flag of truce. 
Captain McKibben, Assistant Adjutant-general, Second Division, crossed 
the river to ascertain what was wanted. He found a first lieutenant 
and adjutant of the First Georgia Regiment awaiting him, with a 
demand from the rebel commander for the surrender of Loudon, or its 
evacuation within two hours and a half after receiving the dispatch. 
Loudon had already been left, and the rebels expressed great surprise at 
finding the Union forces retiring. The bridge was dismantled by 3 
o'clock in the afternoon, and snugly placed aboard cars waiting on the 
railroad track, a half a mile away. At dusk, the command having 
completed its task, bivouacked in the rear of some high hills, which 
screened it from observation beyond the river. An incident of the day 
was the destruction of an engine and four freight cars remaining on 
the south side, the former being fired up and then started at full 
speed toward the river. It was a thrilling sight as it swept along to 
where the bridge had been, and then, amidst the shouts of the sol- 
diers, it shot out into space, plunged into the river and sank out of 
sight ! 

Between 9 and 10 o'clock a. m. of the twenty-ninth, the command 
moved to Lenoir's Mills, reaching there by 12 o'clock noon. This was a 
small station on the railroad, at the junction of the Knoxville and 
Kingston wagon roads, some six miles northeast of Loudon. A delight- 
ful camping ground was secured, and the men proceeded to m^e 
themselves comfortable. 

The commanding general's headquarters were pitched the next 
day immediately on the left of the First Brigade. The headquarters of 
the corps and division commanders were also quite near. Near by was 
the Holston River, the encampment occupying the ground on the bluffs 
overhancrino: it. 



129 

The advent of a large mail irom home shared the interest of the 
thirty-first, with the muster for pay, the latter event foreshadowing the 
possible approach of the paymaster. Much fixing up to render 
quarters as comfortable as possible also marked the day. A corduroy 
bed is not a bad contrivance : four stout posts driven into the ground, 
with two poles resting upon them, form the skeleton. Upon the poles 
are placed some dozen or more lighter poles lengthwise and close 
together. Upon these a quantity of straw, or green pine-needles, are 
spread, the whole kept in place by a piece of carpet or blanket. It is 
comfortable and preferable to the ground. 

Brigade guard mounting was inaugurated on the morning of 
November 1, under most favorable circumstances. The proximity of 
the regiments of the command, and excellent parade ground, coupled 
with one of the most delightful November days, rendered the ceremony 
exceptionally fine. Being Sunday, the troops presented a good appear- 
ance, having just gotten through the morning's inspection. 

It is remarkable the way in which camp rumors start and how 
they gather importance and strength as they are rolled along from 
mouth to mouth. On the second, it was stated that the Forty-eighth 
Regiment was about to be transferred to the Second Brigade. General 
Potter had a high opinion of Colonel Sigfried's military capacity as a 
brigade commander. The transfer of the Forty-eighth to the Second 
Brigade would have made him senior colonel of that brigade, hence 
commander. The arrangement was : Hartranft at the head of the 
Second Division, GriflSn commanding the first and Sigfried the Second 
Brigade. The change never took place. Division Commissary of 
Subsistence, Lieutenant Sam Keys, of New Jersey, was made Superin- 
tendent of Railroads in East Tennessee, by order of General Burnside. 
The First Brigade staflJ* was augmented by the appointment on it of 
Captain James Cooper, of the Second Maryland, as provost marshal. 
The son of Pennsylvania's Senator Cooper, "Jim," as an old Potts- 
viilian, was popular with the boys. 

November 3. The living at Lenoir was really decidedly pleasant 
— provisions could be purchased in the neighborhood at reasonable 
prices, so officers' messes fared well. General Potter seemed anxious to 
utilize Colonel Sigfried other than as the commander of a regiment. 
He asked him on November 3 how he would like to command two 
regiments of dismounted troops and three regiments of six months' 
men. Like a good soldier, Sigfried signified his readiness to assume 
any duty imposed upon him. This was flattering to the colonel of the 
Forty-eighth. He was highly thought of at both corps and department 
headquarters, as many expressions of confidence in his ability dropped 



130 

from Burnside, Potter and Wilcox in the hearing of the writer. 
Details of carpenters from the regiments were busily engaged in 
constructing a lot of pontoon boats, and masons in building bake-ovens 
for the making of bread. 

November 4. The halt at Lenoir brought with it applications for 
leaves of absence. The very able clerk at brigade headquarters, 
Charles H. Hazzard, of G, contracted chills and fever in Mississippi, 
and this, combined with the rigors of the East Tennessee campaign, 
made inroads upon a constitution otherwise strong. An application for a 
furlough successfully passed division and corps headquarters, and was 
taken to Knoxville on the fourth by Lieutenant Pennington to get the 
seal of approval from General Burnside. This was accomplished and 
Hazzard was assured home and recovery. 

One day passes as another in the routine of camp life : so passed 
the fifth. Word reached the command of guerilla bands infesting the 
roads north — especially about Cumberland Gap, and fears were enter- 
tained for the safety of a wagon train of supplies en route, in charge of 
Quartermaster Wagner. Part of the First Division left for Greenville 
at night to reinforce Wilcox's troops, who had been driven out of that 
place by the enemy. On the sixth came the welcome word that Wagner 
and his train were through the Gap, having escaped guerillas, although 
detained at London, Ky., several days to keep out of their way. The 
sutler of the Second Maryland arrived on the fifth, with terrible 
reports of the shocking condition of the roads. Sutler Lippman was 
with Wagner, and the boys awaited his advent with great eagerness. 

The seventh, eighth and ninth were routine days — but they were 
cold ones. A cold snap, bringing ice, rendered big fires comfortable, 
and made it necessary for the men to hug these fires assiduously. 

Surgeon Beatty, Lieutenant Pennington and Clerk Hazzard, from 
the brigade staflT, all left on the tenth in an ambulance train for the 
trip over the mountains to Lexington, and thence on leave for home : 
the first to be married, the second to have an operation performed on 
his eye to prevent blindness, and the latter to regain lost health. In 
the afternoon, Captain Shuck, Lieutenant Pollock and Adjutant 
McGinnes reached camp, returning from duties imposed by former 
details. 

The brigade was under arms at 6 a. m. of the eleventh, and 
marched to the river, just in the rear of the camp, to protect the men 
who were to lay the pontoon bridge. This bridge was constructed in 
eight days — it consisted of over thirty boats, and when laid, was 640 
feet long. The timber was all cut, sawed and put together in a day 



131 

over a week. The Twenty-first Massachusetts took boats, crossed the 
river (Holston) and occupying the opposite bank, pushed forward a 
picket guard to prevent surprise, should any rebel force be in the 
neighborhood. By dint of hard work, in a very cold atmosphere, the 
structure was completed before dark. Picket duty on the opposite 
shore relieved the guards on the camp side, and the bridge made com- 
munication with a section of the country unmolested by either army, 
well supplied with good forage for the horses. 

For the next two days the pontoon bridge was found to be quite 
useful, and excursions to the opposite side of the river were taken by 
all who could do so. The thirteenth was made memorable by the safe 
return of Quartermaster Wagner, from his perilous trip from Lexing- 
ton, bringing through successfully a train of supplies. He also brought 
with him the Forty-eighth's popular sutler, Isaac Lippman, and a 
famous stock of sutler stores. Events proved that the pontoon bridge 
was only to be used a short time, for on the morning of November 14 
camp was broken at Lenoir for active work, and the strong and well 
built pontoon bridge was totally destroyed in a few hours. The com- 
mand moved a mile in the direction of Loudon, where a bivouac for 
the night was had. Early on the morning of the fifteenth, at 2 o'clock, 
the march toward Loudon was resumed. The recent rains rendered 
the roads muddy and hard to navigate. Daylight saw the command 
occupying the banks of the Tennessee River opposite and about a mile 
below Loudon, so posted as to harass the forward movement of Long- 
street's forces, sent to dislodge the Union army in East Tennessee. 
During the morning part of the Twenty-third Army Corps was 
engaged in skirmishing with the advance forces of the enemy, and by 
10 and 11 o'clock, the First Brigade of the Ninth received orders to 
hold the enemy in check long enough to give the artillery and wagons 
plenty of time to get weU on the way to Knoxville, so as to prevent 
capture. The line was held until 4 o'clock in the afternoon, at which 
time, under orders, the brigade slowly retired. The writer, by direction 
of Colonel Sigfried, commanding the division, took command of the 
rear guard, deployed the Second Maryland as skirmishers, and held the 
advance of Longstreet in check, until relieved by the Second Brigade. 
Lenoir was reached at dark, about 6 o'clock. Rations were issued and 
the march immediately resumed toward Knoxville. The brigade was 
pushed ahead and marched all night, reaching Campbell's Station at 
daylight, and immediately posted on the Kingston road to hold in 
check any forces of the euemy appearing from that quarter in an 
attempt to flank our forces. Twenty-two miles over troublesome roads, 



132 

with several hours' skirmishing, were made from 2 a. m. of the fifteenth 
until 6 a. m. of the sixteenth. The cavalry videttes were hurried to 
the front on the Kingston road, and found the enemy pushing along 
with the evident intention of doing just what had been anticipated, and 
just what the First Brigade was stationed there to prevent. During the 
preceding night, Colonel Hartranft resumed command of the division, 
and Colonel Sigfried that of the First Brigade. Between 8 and 9 
o'clock a. m., matters assumed a serious look — the rebels closed in on 
both roads, slowly pressing the Union forces toward the junction ot 
these roads, directly at Campbell's Station, and the fighting became the 
iiercest at this point. It was not Burnside's wish to engage the enemy 
at close quarters at this point ; he was manoeuvring for time, intending 
to retire to Knoxville, where fortifications were being erected. So the 
battle of Campbell's Station was a fight to hinder the rebels' approach 
and delay it as long as possible. It became, after the severe little 
tussle at the junction of the Loudon and Kingston roads, just like a 
mighty game of chess. The movement of the forces of both armies 
was clearly discernible, and as the enemy pushed forward a line on the 
left, the Union commander met it with a counter movement on the right, 
and so on from left to right. The Army of the Ohio, on the defensive, 
occupied a wide extent of open, undulating country, perfectly free from 
woods, or anything to obstruct the view. As the latter retired slowly 
behind successive lines of battle, formed to the rear, the enemy would 
approach as successively, each movement being seen by all. The 
batteries of the contending forces pounded shot and shell into each 
other's ranks from eligible positions upon the surrounding hills. The 
manoeuvring was perfect. The novel sight, although carrying death 
into all ranks, was thoroughly enjoyed by the participants. Night 
closed this great came of chess. The command was put in motion 
toward Knoxville. Marching rapidly all night, it reached there at 
daylight on the morning of the seventeenth. 

It was subsequently learned that the enemy, whose forces had been 
observed passing along toward the left flank of the Union lines during 
the holding of the last position taken by it, had really gotten around 
that flank and were in force in the rear of the Union army, intending 
to capture the rear guard, but mistaking that guard for an army corps, 
found too late that Buruside was safely within the confines of Knoxville. 

This place was immediately invested by Longstreet's forces, and 
Burnside began the preparation for defending it. Shovels, picks and 
;axes were in demand, and hard work fell upon the men, night and day. 
Formidable entrenchments were erected running from the Holston B 



133 

Eiver on the southwest side of the town, all around to the same river 
on the northeast side, with Fort Sanders, an earthwork of strength, 
occupying the most commanding elevation in the whole line. Indeed, 
Knoxville was rendered thoroughly defensible, especially on the Ninth 
Corps' front. Just beneath the bluft' occupied by the Forty-eighth 
Regiment ran the embankment of the East Tennessee and Virginia 
Railroad — large culverts pierced these embankments to permit the flow 
of two pretentious creeks. Hartranft saw in this a chance of rendering 
this front unapproachable. He closed up these culverts, using the rail- 
road embankment for a dam, and so effectually protected the line that 
it could only have been approached by boats. The pickets were nearly 
drowned out, but new lines were established on the town side of the 
dams. In the northern or flat portion of the town, beyond the railroad, 
firing parties were regularly detailed at nights whose duty it was at a 
given signal, when an attack Avas made on the picket line, to ignite a 
frame dwelling house so as to light up the country, and enable the 
artillery to use grape and canister on the attacking party. Before 
this precaution was taken, one night the Union pickets were driven in, 
and Johnny Reb remained for the rest of the night in possession of the 
line, scarcely a stone's throw from the main earthworks. Before day- 
light the Forty-eighth Pennsylvania and the Twenty-first Massachusetts 
formed line, and just at dawn charged the audacious foe, driving him 
back to his old lines helter-skelter, and re-established the pickets. 

One other time the picket line was driven in, but the Second 
Brigade of the Ninth Corps swept the " Johnnies " back again re- 
establishing the Union picket line. 

Thursday, the twenty-sixth of November, was the day appointed 
by President Lincoln as a National Thanksgiving Day, There was no 
turkey for the troops in the trenches that day — quarter day rations 
prevailed, and all would have been thankful for much plainer food than 
turkey, provided there was only plenty of it ! "I recall a characteristic 
scene toward the close of that day when two soldiers were hovering over 
a fire of twigs they had built in the bottom of the trench, the wind 
frequently blowing the smoke in their faces, notwithstanding their 
attempts to ward it off with their hands. They were talking of Thanks- 
giving at home, and recounting the savory dinners they had thoughtlessly 
eaten, with thankless hearts, in times past, and were wondering what 
their people at home were doing, and whether they were remembered. 
An occasional shot from some misguided ' greyback ' passing overhead, 
attracted less attention than the evolutions of sundry squads of domestic 
' grey backs ' that were endeavoring to gain strategic positions under those 



134 

soldiers' blouses, and frequent appropriate gestures, that were needed to 
round off and add grace to some sentence in the conversation, were 
suddenly arrested and used to intercept some hostile movement." * 

Colonel Sigfried commanded the First Brigade during the entire 
siege, and indeed for the remainder of the Forty-eighth's stay in East 
Tennessee. Pie occupied as his headquarters rooms in the house of the 
leading photographer of Knoxville. He was a delicate looking man, 
with a fine, healthy, robust wife ; both were uncompromising Unionists 
the latter exceedingly outspoken in her condemnation of rebels — a 
regular of the Brown low type. 

Much has been said by old soldiers who have experienced it — and 
where is there a man who served in active field duty, during the war, 
who has not? — of the bitter tongue of the women with rebel proclivi- 
ties. Ah ! the scorching tirade that has been heaped upon the head of 
many a Unioner ! Indeed, the tongue is " an unruly member " — 
keener than the sharpest blade ! Let any unfortunate individual of 
Confederate tendencies pass within hearing of Sigfried's hostess, and 
such a scathing would fall upon his devoted head as to leave him, meta- 
phorically speaking, bald as a new born babe ! 

The Episcopal clergyman living in Knoxville during the siege 
was troubled with a severe attack of Rebellionetis. His straight, stiff, 
starched form loomed up one morning, heading down the street directly 
by the house of the determined Unionist. She occupied a convenient 
position at her front gate, and opened up her tongue artillery before he 
reached her, with : " Here comes this pusillanimous, cowardly stick of a 
man, who teaches his congregation to pray for the rebels," and so on, with 
hot words, representing all the grades of ammunition, rapidly pouring in 
the small shot, with all the ferocity of a Gatling, as he passed close by her, 
and ending with tremendous big bombs, screeched after him, as he faded 
in the distance. The effect upon the reverend gentleman was peculiar. 
The first shot rather took him unawares, but as it was speedily followed up 
by unniistakable evidences of being meant for himself, he braced up his 
clerical dignity to ward off the keen, cutting sarcasm. The tirade was, how- 
ever, too great, or his armor too thin, for he perceptibly wilted at each suc- 
ceeding step, and almost fairly ran, as the hot words pelted and pounded 
his retreating back, until he looked all shrunken and wasted away, as 
limp as the veriest Bunthorne could wish. It was the most withering 
tongue castigation mortal could be subjected to, and overlapped any 
thing of the kind from the other side that the writer ever heard. 

*" Recollections of the East Tennessee Campaign," by Will. H. Brearley, Company E, 
Seventeenth Michigan Volunteers, p. 34. 



185 

On Sunday, the twenty-ninth of November, Longstreet determined 
on assaulting the Union hues. Before daylight, he hurled a column of 
sixteen regiments deep against Fort Sanders, with lamentable results to 
the attacking party. Benjamin, commanding a battery of the Fourth 
United States Artillery, stationed in this fort, anticipating just such an 
attack, had taken the precaution to clear away the forest in the front 
of the fort, leaving the stumps sticking well up. Stretching from stump 
to stump, he crossed and recrossed telegraph wire. When this column 
of regimental front, and sixteen regiments deep, moving to the attack 
in the darkness before dawn, came upon the entangled mass of wire, 
the troops were thrown into inextricable confusion, their organizations 
helplessly broken, and the whole command no better than an unorgan- 
ized mob. So impetuous, however, was the mad rush for the fort, that 
the flags of the Thirteenth and Seventeenth Mississippi and the Six- 
teenth Georgia were actually planted on the corner thereof — but only 
for a moment, as the Union troops captured them. Benjamin was 
coolly lighting shells, with shortened fuses, and tossing them with his 
hands over the parapet into the ditch surrounding the earthwork — 
causing death and confusion to the crowded mass of disorganized 
troops. " It stilled them down," he said. The strife did not last long, 
and the enemy fled dismayed. An armistice, lasting from daylight 
until 7 p. m., marked this Sunday. Four stands of rebel colors were 
captured, 300 rebel dead laid around Fort Sanders, as many more were 
wounded, and the same number made prisoners. The corner of Fort 
Sanders, and the ditch before it, was filled with dead and dying men — 
the sight was horrible. During the armistice, these dead were buried 
by the enemy, and the wounded carried away. General Burnside 
wisely declined to keep the large number of wounded prisoners, the 
crowded condition of Knoxville precluding the burdening of his 
army with a helpless lot of men, who would tax the already depleted 
stock of provisions — so they were conveyed away by the rebels. Dur- 
ing this armistice, Yankees and rebels met by the hundreds on the 
neutral ground between the lines — shook hands and had good long 
talks with each other. An arrangement was entered into between the 
men that no more picket firing should be done, and this was kept for 
some time, the pickets of either side walking their beats in full view of 
each other. But one day came the following from the enemy : " Git 
into your holes, Yanks, we've got orders to fire on you." Into the rifle 
pits dropped the boys and the banging became as lively as ever. 

The siege did not worry the Union army much ; provisions were 
not very plenty for the troops, but for the horses and mules, forage was 



136 

obtainable in the country south of the Holston River for twenty mileSf 
which could be gathered unmolested. Isaac Lippman's stock of sutler's 
stores lasted well, and the boys took advantage of it. Although woe- 
fully short of cash, to Isaac's credit be it said, he willingly trusted them. 
Good Dr. Cutter, surgeon of the Twenty-first Massachusetts, acting 
division surgeon, showed his knowledge and skill during the siege in 
the care he took of the troops. He established a hospital filled with 
comforts. It was not play, working and watching in the trenches all 
day — so he instructed his surgeons to note well the men at early roll 
call, and where one looked fagged out, to send him to his hospital. 
Here a good bath would be given the unfortunate and a snug and com- 
fortable bed provided, thus enabling him to secure a good rest. Then 
this good doctor prescribed well-cooked food, with some little delicacy 
he had procured during the rambles of the troops, and stored for just 
such purpose. Many a soldier was saved from an attack of sickness by 
this thoughtful practice of Surgeon Cutter. 

Longstreet, finding he could not starve the Army of the Ohio out 
of Knoxville, that he could not force them out by attacking their lines, 
and fearing the arrival of Sherman, Howard and Granger's Corps of 
Thomas' Army, which were approaching, pulled up stakes and departed 
for Virginia on the fifth of December. The First Brigade left the 
trenches at 9 o'clock in the morning to recoimoitre, and extended its 
researches into quite a section of the surrounding country, gathering up 
some fifty prisoners, found in squads of two or three on the roads 
traversed. 

General Burnside issued the following congratulatory order, to wit : 

Headquabtbks Akmy of the Ohio. 
General Field Orders, No. 34. 

In the Field, December 5, 1863. 

Tlie Commandiug General congratulates the troops on the raising of the 
siege. With unsurpassed fortitude and patient watchfulness they have sustained 
the wearing duties of the defence, and with unyielding courage they have 
repulsed the most desperate assaults. 

Tlie Army of the Ohio has nobly guarded the loyal region it redeemed 
from its oppressors, and has rendered the heroic defence of Knoxville memora- 
ble in the annals of the war. Strengthened by the experiences and the successes 
of the past, they now, with the powerful support of the gallant Army which 
has come to their relief, and with undoubting faith in the Divine protection, 
enter with the brightest prospects upon the closing scenes of a most brilliant 

campaign. 

By command of Major-Genebal Burnside. 

Lewis Richmond, 

Assistant Adjutant-General. 



137 

From the headquarters of General Grant came the following, to 
wit: 

Headquarters Military Division of the Mississippi. 
General Orders, No. 7. 

In the Field, Chattanooga, Tenn., Dccemher 8, 1863. 
The General commanding takes great pleasure in publishing to the brave 
annies under his command, the following telegraphic dispatch just received 
from the President of the United States: 

' ' Washington, December 8, 186S. 
To Major-Gene ral Grant: — Understanding that your lodgment at Chatta- 
nooga and at Knoxville is now secure, I wish to tender you, and all under your 
command, my more than thanks, my profoundest gratitude, for the skill, cour- 
age and perseverance with which you and they, over so great difficulties, have 
effected that important object. God bless you all ! A.Lincoln." 

By order of Major-General U. S. Grant. 

T. S. Bowers, 

Assistant Adjutant-General. 

On Monday morning, December 7, the brigade left Knoxville, 
taking the Morristown road, but subsequently leaving it for the 
Rutledge road, tramped some twelve miles and encamped for the night 
on the latter road. The next day only six or seven miles of marching 
was done, and the night was spent near Blain's Cross Roads, On the 
ninth the march was resumed for twelve miles, and the encampment 
had within a mile of Rutledge — a small village of wooden houses, save 
the Court House, which was a large brick building of fine appearance. 
The town had been completely stripped of provisions — butter, eggs and 
chickens were not to be had — the rebels having cleared the place out 
just twenty-four hours previously. The route from Knoxville lay 
directly between the Holston and Clinch Rivers, and the weather was 
most delightful for out-door work. Rations were not plentiful — indeed 
the allowance was extremely small. Whether this had anything to do 
with the good health of the men of the command is hard to say, but the 
fact remains that whilst campaigning in East Tennessee, but little sick- 
ness prevailed among the troops. The command remained encamped 
near Rutledge until Tuesday, the fifteenth of December, although 
orders to be ready to move at 7 o'clock Monday morning were received 
at 12 o'clock the Sunday night before. Camp was abandoned and line 
of battle formed, awaiting an expected attack from the enemy, who 
were said to be returning again toward Knoxville. The line was 
maintained all day without any demonstration on the part of the rebels, 
and after dark the command moved to the rear some four miles, and 
bivouacked beside the road. The retrograde movement was continued 



138 

the next day for seven or eight miles, when a halt was had, with the 
idea of here making a stand to battle with the foe. The position occu- 
pied by the main body of troops, within two miles of Blain's Cross 
Roads, was an eligible one. 

The Second Division of the Ninth Corps occupied a position two 
miles in advance of the proposed battle ground, and formed a barricade 
of fence rails to retard the enemy's approach long enough to enable the 
troops in the rear to fortify their position. This advanced line was 
unmolested all day of Wednesday, the sixteenth, and the troops rested 
well the same night. On the seventeenth a very slight skirmish im- 
mediately in the division's front took place — some rebel cavalry 
appeared on a distant knoll, threw forward a few skirmishers, but soon 
recalled them — and night closed in without the expected, and by this 
time really hoped for, advance. The weather became quite cold, making it 
uncomfortable without tents. The morning of the eighteenth found the 
enemy invisible. The Twenty-first Massachusetts was thrown forward — 
it moved some two or three miles to the front, skirmishing with a small 
force of rebel cavalry, holding its advanced position all day. This was 
the last the command saw of any rebel troops in East Tennessee. 

On the nineteenth the command settled down into camp about 
three and a half miles in an easterly direction from Blain's Cross 
Roads, and was employed in picketing the valley. The farthest outpost 
was possibly two miles away. 

A large force of Union troops had reached Knoxville from General 
Thomas' Army, and the entire safety of East Tennessee from reoccupa- 
tion by the rebel army was assured. 

The weather, whilst clear and bright, became cold, and much time 
was spent in hugging the wood fires. The First Brigade marched some 
five miles up the valley on the twenty-third on a reconnoissance, to dis- 
cover, if possible, the whereabouts of the enemy. The search ended at 
the junction of the Powder Spring Gap road with the main road in the 
valley. This expedition is impressed on the mind of the writer from 
the fact that Lieutenant, afterward Captain, Henry Boyer, serving as 
quartermaster on the staff of the First Brigade, discovered in the yard 
of a settler up the Powder Spring Gap road a couple of fine turkeys, 
and it was not a matter of many moments, with so excellent a forager, 
before these fowls were swinging over the pommel of his saddle bound 
for camp — thus ensuring a Christmas dinner of the regular stamp. It 
is right to say that Boyer paid full value for the birds. Colonel 
Sigfried was in command this day, and whilst toasting his shins before 
the fire of a hospitable farmer, his use of a paj)er of fine-cut tobacco 



139 

interested the snufF-dipping daughters of his host, and the gallant Colonel 
won their everlasting gratitude, if not devotion, by presenting them with 
a fresh paper of the delicacy which he happened to have with him. 

Just at this time the exciting business of re-enlistment broke out 
in all the regiments of the Ninth Corps — particularly in the Second 
Division, and a spirit of emulation sprang up between the various 
regiments as to which should secure the necessary three-fourths, in order 
to be the first to receive the veteran month's furlough. The Forty- 
eighth Pennsylvania and the Twenty-first Massachusetts were the first 
regiments in the corps to re-enlist — the latter sent its report in first, 
hence was the first ordered home, but the Forty-eighth was the first 
regiment re-mustered — more than three-fourths of the men composing 
it patriotically determining to see the war ended. 

The first of January, 1864, was a remarkable day — the morning 
was murky and warm, the roads muddy and almost impassable for 
wagons, many sinking in the mud to the hubs. Before nightfall such 
a decided change had taken place in the weather, that the same roads 
were frozen solidly, so much so, that the wagons jolted over the frozen ruts. 
This cold snap made it necessary to improvise some way for the men to 
keep warm, but they were equal to the occasion. Before the open end of 
each little shelter tent a wall of logs was erected, against which a fire of 
small kindling wood was built, this charring the logs up quite a distance 
threw the heat back into the tents and rendered the boys comfortable. 

The Twenty-first Massachusetts started on veteran furlough on the 
seventh of January, '64. This event made the 316 men of the Forty- 
eighth, who had then re-enlisted, most anxious for their turn to come. 
They were not kept long in suspense. The writer was at corps head- 
quarters on the afternoon of the eleventh of January, and found that 
orders had just been received directing the Forty-eighth Regiment to 
proceed to Pennsylvania, there to report through the Governor, to the 
Superintendent of Recruiting for furlough and reorganization. Before 
night the welcome news reached the regiment, causing great rejoicing 
amongst the veterans. The following farewell order to the brigade was 
issued the next day : 

Headquaetees First Beigade, Second Division, Ninth Aemy Coeps, 
Neae Blain's Cross Roads, Tenn. 

Geneeal Oeder, No. 1. January 12, 1864. 

I. The following named officers have been relieved from duty with this 
brigade and are ordered to report to their respective regiments, to- wit: 

Captain Oliver C. Bosbyshell, 48th Pa. Vols., as A. A. A. Genl. 

First Lieutenant Chas. Goss, 21st Mass. Vols., as A. A. Q. M. 



140 

Second Lieutenant Jno. H. Varney, 6tb N. H. Vols., as A. C. S. 

First Lieutenant Henry Beyer, 48th Pa. Vols., as A. A. I. G. 

Captain Benj. F. Taylor, 2d Md. Vols., as A. A. D. C. 

First Lieutenant Henry S. Hitchcock, 21st Mass. Vols., as A. A. D. C. 

The Colonel commanding returns his thanks to these officers for their 
valuable assistance, and expresses his satisfaction with the management of the 
several departments with which they were connected. 

II. In parting with the brigade the Colonel commanding desires to returu 
his sincere thanks to both officers and men for their promptness, fortitude and 
gallantry. The campaign in which you have been engaged has been one of great 
severity. It has been attended with long and arduous marches, trying picket 
duty, severe skirmishing, and hard-fought battles; taxing your powers of endur- 
ance to the utmost. A great portion of East Tennessee has been traversed. 
You routed the enemy at Blue Springs and followed him to the Virginia line, 
and again you engaged him on the Tennessee Eiver. The trying duties attend- 
ing the memorable siege of Knoxville you bore with great fortitude, and 
gallantly drove back the enemy's encroachments on your rifle pits. In addition 
to all this you have passed through these duties upon an exceedingly limited 
supply of provisions — an ordeal to test your patriotism, and soldierly qualifica- 
tions, which you have overcome cheerfully and resolutely. For the many 
assurances of your good feeling, and promptness in obeying orders the Colonel 
commanding offers his thanks. 

J. K. SiGFRlED, CoJmel, 

Commanding Brigade. 



CHAPTER X. 



VETERAN FURLOUGH. 

On AVednesday morning, 9 o'clock, January 13, the regiment 
broke camp, and started on the long march back over the mountains to 
Lexington. The command halted before the headquarters of General 
Potter, and the men were greatly gratified at the speech that officer 
made them. With cheers for Potter long and loud the march was 
resumed, and not concluded until seventeen miles of the way had been 
covered. The night was spent at a Mr. Walter's, within four miles of 
Walker's Ford on the Clinch River. The tramp was taken up the 
next morning at 8 o'clock, and some eighteen miles were accomplished, 
and the camp pitched within five or six miles of Cumberland Gap. 
Twelve miles were made on the fifteenth, the halt for the night being 
had at the foot of the Gap on the north side. Colonel Sigfried, Lieuten- 
ant-Colonel Pleasants and Captain Bosbyshell, with an ambulance and 
two or three orderlies, left the regiment in command of Major Gilmour, 
after crossing the Clinch River and pushed on ahead, with the intention 
of procuring needed supplies at Lexington, and of having the same on 
hand when the regiment arrived. These officers traveled rapidly — 
some trouble happening to the ambulance. Colonel Pleasants waited for 
it at Camp Lynn Post OflSce, whilst the other oflBcers pushed on. 
Lexington was reached on the nineteenth, and the next day Captain 
Bosbyshell was sent to Cincinnati to secure 160 infantry jackets for the 
regiment. The command came along in good shape, and reached Camp 
Nelson at 2 o'clock in the afternoon of Friday the twenty-second. The 
next day it arrived in Lexington before 12 o'clock noon, and took up 
its old quarters out Limestone street. This return to the " old stamping 
ground " was like a home-coming, and very happy and enjoyable were 
the two days spent in renewing the friendships engendered by five 
months' provost duty. 

At 12 o'clock noon of the twenty-fifth the Forty-eighth steamed 
out of Lexington by the Kentucky Central Railroad, and did not reach 
Covington until 12 o'clock at night, the train being detained by an 
accident to the regular up p. m. passenger train. During the trip 
Patrick M. Brown, private, of Company F, was knocked off the top of 

(HI) 



142 

one of the cars, thrown under the train and killed. This cast quite a 
gloom over the otherwise enjoyable journey. The regiment was quar- 
tered in barracks in West Covington, and remained here until the 
thirty-first. The muster rolls had not been properly prepared in East 
Tennessee, so new ones had to be made out, as well as rolls for pay. 
Sunday, the thirty-first, was a busy day — rolls were signed and the 
regiment paid. At 6.30 p. m. a train for the East was boarded, and 
the start for home began in earnest. In the midst of a heavy rain the 
train sped on. At Columbus a change of cars was made. Breakfast 
was had at Crestline, and the way resumed at 9 o'clock a. m., 
February 1. Harrisburg was reached at 5 o'clock p. m. of the second. 
The next morning at 8 o'clock the State Capitol was left, and Pottsville 
was reached at 4 o'clock the same afternoon, where a grand reception 
awaited the command. 

Pottsville was in holiday attire for this occasion, its patriotic 
citizens being determined to give the regiment a hearty welcome home, 
and thus, by the demonstration emphasize the good work done by the 
boys, showing how heartily it was appreciated. 

Private residences were decorated with large streamers of red, 
white and blue, whilst flags, large and small, were displayed everywhere 
throughout the town. Along the route over which the command passed 
were displayed the names of the battles in which it had participated. 
At the residence of Mrs. Samuel Sillyman,on Mahantongo street, three 
medallions were suspended in the centre of the street, bearing the names 
of Burnside, Nagle and Sigfried, three names the Forty-eighth honored 
and revered. 

General James Nagle was the chief marshal of the procession 
assembled to do honor to the regiment. 

When the train reached Mt. Carbon, the command left the cars 
amid the rousing shouts of the mass of people gathered to welcome it, 
and formed line in front of the Mansion House. A beautiful stand of 
colors prepared by the ladies of Pottsville, was here presented to the 
regiment. The standard was made of heavy blue silk, with the arms of 
the State of Pennsylvania, on one side, and the arms of the United 
States on the reverse, both of which were surrounded by scrolls con- 
taining the names of the following battles, in which the regiment had 
been engaged : Bull Run, August 29, 1862 ; Chantilly, September 14, 
1862; Antietam, September 17, 1862; Fredericksburg, December 13, 
1862. The guidons were four in number, a small American flag, and 
one of red, one white and the other blue, made of stout twilled silk, 
upon each of which was inscribed : " 48th P. V." 



143 

Mr. E. R. Bohannon and ^liss Miesse were entrusted with the 
duty of getting up these flags. 

Hon. James H. Campbell made the presentation, most eloquently, 
as follows : 

" Officers and Soldiers of the Forty-eighth Regiment : 

" I have been honored by the ladies of Pottsville, your sisters, 
wives, and mothers, with the pleasing duty of presenting this flag, 
guidons and markers, as their testimonial to and appreciation of your 
patriotism, bravery and devotion to the cause of the Union. 

"You bring with you tattered flags from glorious battlefields — 
flags rent in conflict, but of stainless honor. The ladies of Pottsville 
beg leave to place by the side of these, this beautiful flag, the work of 
their fair hands. Where the white hordes romp in the azure field, you 
see inscribed Chantilly, Antietam, South Mountain and East Tennessee, 
one and all recalling memories of heroic deeds that will live while time 
endures. 

" The fair donors have watched with sympathetic bosoms, your 
trials, bravery and sufiering — the deadly struggle, the suflerings in 
hospitals, on the weary march and by the dreamless bivouac, all 
heroically borne by you. While they have shed tears for the gallant 
dead, they come to-day, with words of welcome and smiles of gratitude, 
to greet their returning brothers and husbands. 

" Soldiers, you have registered a vow in heaven that the old flag 
shall fly in all its original splendor over every inch of territory the 
nation ever possessed, and that too, over free territory. A few years 
since it was loved and respected everywhere, — for it was everywhere, 
by glacial pinnacles, and under the stms of the tropics, in the marts of 
the old world and the wilderness of the new. It must not now be shorn 
of its glory. 

" Soldiers, you carry peace on the points of your bayonets, and true 
diplomacy in your cartridge boxes. We can have no true, lasting or 
honorable peace until the rebels submit to the laws of the country. 
We, as good citizens, cheerfully submit to constituted authority. We 
ask no more of them ; we will submit to no less. 

"We bid you a hearty, earnest, warm-hearted welcome to this 
good old county of Schuylkill, a welcome made doubly endearing in 
that the ladies bid me, in their name, emphasize it with this glorious 
banner of liberty." 

The Forty-eighth responded with three hearty cheers for the ladies, 
and Colonel Sigfried sincerely thanked them for the great honor 



144 

conferred upon the command, promising to bring the colors back from 
the field of battle in honor or not at all. How well the boys ratified this 
promise is evidenced in that the command never lost a color ! 

An interesting episode of the occasion was the presentation, by a 
young lady, to Colonel Sigfried of a beautiful wreath. 

The procession then formed and proceeded up Centre street in the 
following order: 

General Nagle and aids. 

Colonel Oliphaut and staff. 

Battalion of Invalid Corps. 

Pottsville Band. 

Forty-eighth Regiment, under the command of Colonel Sigfried. 

Honorably Discharged and Convalescent Soldiers, under command ot 

Major James Wren. 

Seventh Pennsylvania Cavalry, under command of Major Jennings. 

First New York Artillery, under command of Lieutenant Hall. 

Miners' Lodge, No. 20, I. O. of O. F. 

Carriages containing Committee of Arrangements. 

Citizens on horseback. 

As the procession commenced moving a national salute was fired 

by the New York Battery. The veterans were greeted all along the 

route by cheers and the waving of handkerchiefs. The streets were 

filled with thousands of people. A more animated spectacle has been 

rarely witnessed in Pottsville. The tattered flags of the Forty-eighth 

were objects of great interest. After passing through the principal 

streets, the command was halted in front of the Union Hotel. A fervent, 

patriotic prayer was made by the Rev. Mr. Koons, an address of 

welcome delivered by John Bannan, Esq., to which Colonel Sigfried 

replied, thanking the citizens for their kind reception, and telling them 

of the spirit which animated the men in re-enlisting, expressing a 

hope that the command would return to the field recruited to its fiill 

strength. 

A collation prepared by the ladies, followed at the Union Hotel. 
The boys were dismissed, and each found home in the shortest space of 
time. 

The regiment returned with 340 men. The field and staff* officers 
were : Colonel, J. K. Sigfried ; Lieutenant-Colonel, Henry Pleasants ; 
Major, J. A. Gilmour ; Adjutant, First Lieutenant D. D. McGinnes ; 
Quartermaster, First Lieutenant Jacob Wagner ; Surgeon, W. R. D. 
Blackwood ; Assistant Surgeon, John D. Culver ; Sergeant Major, 
David B. Brown ; Quartermaster Sergeant, Charles W. Schnerr ; 



145 

Commissary Sergeant, Jacob F. Werner ; Hospital Steward, William 
H. Harden. 

The companies were commanded by the following officers: A, 
Captain Kauffman ; B, Captain Bast ; C, Captain Gowen ; D, First 
Lieutenant Fisher ; E, Captain AVinlack ; F, Captain Hoskings ; G, 
Captain Bosbyshell ; H, Captain Hinkle ; I, Captain Schuck, and K, 
Captain Brannon. 

Pottsville became the headquarters of the regiment during its 
veteran furlough, the boys greatly enjoying the relaxation from their 
years of hard and dangerous service. 

With full ranks, amidst the cheering shouts of friends, the Forty- 
eighth left Pottsville on the thirteenth of March, 1864, to take its place 
in the field once more. Harrisburg was reached the same day. The 
command remained here until the eighteenth, when it left for Annapo- 
lis, Md., by the way of Philadelphia, arriving at its destination on the 
twentieth, where it went into camp on the south side of the city, in 
company with many of the old regiments of the Ninth Corps. 



10 



CHAPTER XI. 



WILDERNESS TO PETERSBURG. 

The Ninth Army Corps rendezvoused at Annapolis, Md., during" 
March and April, 1864. The various organizations of the corps 
occupied camps on the outskirts of the city. Camp Parole, the head- 
quarters of prisoners of war awaiting exchange, was also located at 
Annapolis. The rendezvous of the Ninth Corps was designated "Depot 
Ninth Army Corps," and was placed in command of Colonel John F. 
Hartrauft. He established headquarters in the United States Naval 
Academy grounds, occupying one of the buildings belonging thereto. 
There were over thirty regiments of infantry and cavalry, besides many 
batteries, reporting daily to Colonel Hartranft's headquarters. Organ- 
ization into brigades and divisions was not effected until later on. 
Eight regiments of colored troops were included — these were subse- 
quently formed into the Fourth Division, Ninth Army Corps, composed 
of two brigades of four regiments each. The drilling of these troops, 
beside those of the white regiments, was a new experience for the old 
Ninth Corps, and many doubted whether the colored boys would prove 
faithful under fire, a doubt set at rest by their excellent work in the 
subsequent campaign. 

In the reorganization, the Forty-eighth was again assigned to the 
First Brigade, Second Division. 

On the twenty-third of April, 1864, the Ninth Corps broke camp 
at Annapolis and took up its line of march on the road to Washington 
— General Burnside in command, General Robert B. Potter at the 
head of the Second Division, and Colonel Z. R. Bliss commanding the 
First Brigade. The brigade was composed of the Forty-fifth and 
Forty-eighth Pennsylvania Volunteers, and the Thirty-sixth and Fifty- 
eighth Massachusetts, Fourth and Seventh Rhode Island Volunteers. 

The night of the twenty-fourth the command encamped within 
six miles of Washington, on the Bladensburg road. At 9 o'clock 
Monday morning, the twenty-fifth, the head of the corps entered 
Washington via New York avenue. Halting near Fourteenth 
street to permit the column to close up, it resumed the march, 
passing down Fourteenth street. At Willard's Hotel, upon the 

(146) 



147 

balcony of which stood President Lincoln and General Burnside, 
surrounded by many other distinguished men — the compliment of a 
marching salute was paid to the Chief Magistrate of the Nation. The 
Forty-eighth passed about noon. All day long tramped the men of the 
Ninth Corps — their splendid bearing calling forth enthusiastic cheers 
from the thousands of people gathered to witness the pageant. Over 
the Long Bridge into Virginia once more, until within a short distance 
of Alexandria, the tired troops encamped for the night. The regiment 
left Alexandria on the twenty-seventh, and encamped at Fairfax Court 
House, some twelve miles away, the same night. Bristoe's Station, 
fourteen miles further, was made the next day, and camp was regularly 
pitched here, near the railroad bridge, on the twenty-ninth. On the 
thirtieth the regiment was mustered for pay. Remained encamped at 
Bristoe's until the morning of the fateful fourth of May, the commence- 
ment of Grant's great campaign. During this campaign the command 
of the regiment devolved upon Lieutenant-Colonel Pleasants. Colonel 
Sigfried was placed in command of the First Brigade, Fourth Division 
(colored) by General Burnside, who personally desired him to take this 
brigade. In a letter written to General Sigfried from the Senate of 
the United States, dated April 30, 1881, desiring a copy of the "His- 
tory of Schuylkill County," General Burnside says : " You, my dear 
General, will be prominently mentioned if the compilers of the work 
know as much of your skill, gallantry, and unselfish co-operation as I 
do. I shall never forget the disinterested patriotism which actuated 
you when you were asked by me to take command of the First Brigade 
of the Fourth Division of the Ninth Corps. It was composed of 
colored troops, and I naturally wanted to give it my best ofiicers for 
brigade commanders. I well remember the desire you had to remain 
with your old command, and with what reluctance you yielded to my 
desire and order. I wanted you with the Fourth Division because you 
were one of my best officers, and commanded my entire confidence and 
esteem." 

Loath to leave his regiment and the brigade he had commanded, 
but desirous of gratifying his commanding general, Sigfried reluctantly 
consented with the proviso that he could select his staff from the officers 
of the white regiments. This was conceded and the writer was made 
acting assistant adjutant-general of the brigade. This took him away 
from the immediate presence of the regiment, and the account of the 
campaign is chiefly derived from written information sent him by 
Colonel Pleasants. Other officers and men have furnished some of the 
materia] used. 



148 

The 'writer feels, in approaching this, the greatest campaign of the 
war, his lack of proper knowledge to give the regiment's part in it the 
prominence deserved, and relies on the memory of the survivors to fill 
up the incidents connected with it, where he possibly only hints at the 
work. 

The Forty-eighth crossed the Rapidan River at Germania Ford, 
on the fifth of May, 1864, moving toward the Spotswood Tavern, where 
a bivouac was had. Very early on the morning of the sixth, the com- 
mand, with the Second Brigade in front, moved close to the Old 
"Wilderness Tavern and on out the road to Parker's store. A half mile 
out this road, the Forty-eighth Pennsylvania were deployed as skir- 
mishers to cover the flanks of the column. The enemy's skirmishers 
were found about a half mile further on, and gave way before the 
advancing troops. A small stream was crossed, and three regiments of 
the Second Brigade formed line, advanced until the enemy was found 
on the opposite side of an open field, drawn up in considerable force, 
and supplied with a battery, stationed probably a quarter to a half a 
mile from the junction of the Parker store and Plank roads. A brisk 
fire was opened by the enemy from the battery as well as from the 
small arms of the infantry. The line was moved forward to the edge 
of the woods and the First Brigade formed to cover the left. The 
action was becoming quite brisk, and General Potter was preparing to 
charge the enemy, when he received an order to withdraw his com- 
mand, move it to the left, and attack on the right of General Hancock 
near the Plank road. This movement was made through a dense 
wood, almost impenetrable, owing to the tangled underbrush ; the new 
line was formed as quickly as possible on Hancock's right, and the 
attack made where it was utterly impossible to see anything from the 
thickness of the woods. The enemy was posted on the opposite side 
of a swampy ravine behind entrenchments. Sharp firing at very close 
range ensued, followed by a savage charge, which brought the boys 
into the enemy's rifle pits in some places. Being unable to maintain 
the advantage gained, the troops fell back. Twice the charge was 
renewed — considerable ground was gained, but the enemy retained 
possession of their lines. 

The fighting continued until dark : the brigade remained in the 
front line and entrenched its position. The Forty-eighth was thrown 
forward as skirmishers during the night, its line extending over a 
division front. 

The enemy withdrew during the night. The next morning a few 
prisoners were picked up by an advancing skirmish line : no force of 



149 

the enemy was found. The Forty-eiglith was occupied a part of the 
seventh in constructing breastworks, whilst exposed to the fire of the 
enemy's sharpshooters. Some little while past noon the command was 
withdrawn and went into position between the Wilderness Tavern and 
the Spotswood House, to be in easy supporting distance of the Sixth 
Corps. Later on in the night it moved eastwardly toward Chancellors- 
ville, halting on the old battlefield on the morning of the eighth, where 
the Forty-eighth encamped. 

According to General Potter's report the Second Division of the 
Ninth Corps lost in the Wilderness fight: "Seventy-four (74) killed, 
three hundred and eighty-nine (389) wounded, forty-one (41) missing. 
The latter being mostly prisoners taken when we broke the enemy's line." 

The command left Chancellorsville on the afternoon of the ninth, 
going as far as Alsops, where it remained until the afternoon of the next 
day when it moved toward Spottsylvania Court House. The Ny River 
was crossed near Gales where an attack or reconnoissance was being 
made by the First and part of the Second Division on Spottsylvania 
Court House. Some smart skirmishing took place here, the advance 
halting within a quarter of a mile of the court house, about 10 o'clock 
at night. A strong body of pickets was thrown out, and the troops 
began entrenching the position secured. 

The rest of the Ninth Corps having retired to the north side of the 
Ny River, the Second Division Avithdrew to the same side about 3 
o'clock in the afternoon of the eleventh, halting near the Haines 
House, but under orders recrossed the Ny at dusk, in the midst of a 
heavy rain storm. The trenches thrown up by the Third Division 
were occupied by the Second between 9 and 10 o'clock p. m. 

The morning of May 12 was an exceedingly foggy one, and the 
early movements of that day were greatly obscured by reason thereof. 

Two lines of attack were formed by the Second Division, the 
Second Brigade on the first line, and the First Brigade occupying the 
second line. The trenches were left at 4 o'clock in the morning, 
the division advancing to the attack, and in a half an hour the 
skirmishers were busily engaged — by 5 o'clock the engagement became 
very hot. 

The Seventeenth Vermont Regiment occupied a position on the 
crest of a hill in front of which was an open field and swamp through 
which ran a creek — beyond was another hill on which were the rebel 
rifle pits. On the left was a thick wood extending beyond the swamp 
to the enemy's line. Whilst the Forty-eighth was waiting to be placed 
in position Captain McKibben, of General Potter's staff, rode up and 



150 

directed Lieutenant-Colonel Pleasants to follow him. McKibben, 
riding a rather sorry looking horse, led the regiment under fire to the 
hill occupied by the Seventeenth Vermont, and line of battle was formed 
back of that regiment. 

The fog lifting, a party of rebels was discovered occupying the 
fork formed by the banks of the stream. Colonel John I. Curtin, com- 
manding the brigade, threw the Forty-eighth forward. It advanced 
around the right of the Seventeenth Vermont, cutting ofi" the retreat 
of the enemy and captured twenty prisoners before firing a shot. The 
regiment thus surprised proved to be the Thirteenth Georgia. They 
were badly situated and fought desperately to resist the attack of the 
Forty-eighth, but the latter regiment steadily maintained its position 
under a destructive fire of musketry and artillery. Part of another 
rebel regiment came to the support of the Thirteenth Georgia, 

The engagement was exceedingly lively. Above the din arose the 
voice of a man of Company C, yelling that the rebels wanted to sur- 
render. "Continue firing," directed Pleasants. The enemy threw 
down their arms and ran into the Forty-eighth's lines in a body, to the 
number of 200. It left in its wake one colonel, three line officers and 
some seventy-five men killed, besides a large number of wounded lying 
on the field. 

The Forty-eighth made another assault in the afternoon, charging 
foiward to the swamp, but being unsupported moved by the flank into 
the woods, around on to the crest of the hill occupying its former 
position. This latter charge was made under a most disastrous fire, and 
resulted in very heavy loss to the regiment. Lieutenant Henry C. 
Jackson, of Company G, an able and fearless ofiicer, much liked in the 
regiment, was killed during this engagement. Since starting on this 
campaign, the Forty-eighth lost 187 in killed and wounded. 

During the night of the twelfth heavy entrenchments were con- 
structed by the Forty-eighth on its lines, and indeed the entire position 
Jield by the Union forces was entrenched. Amid sharp and unremitting 
skirmishing, during the thirteenth, fourteenth and fifteenth the trenches 
and batteries were strengthened and improved in every way possible. 
A strong demonstration to feel the enemy was made on the sixteenth, 
resulting in nothing more than the development of a large force on his 
part. Skirmish firing was incessant, making life at the front most 
unhappy. On the eighteenth the enemy was attacked with vigor along 
the whole of the Second Division line. 

The Forty-eighth charged on the enemy's works, carrying his first 
line — it did not reach the second owing to the strength of the position, 



151 

defended as it was by a hea\'y abatis. Although the enemy's works 
were not captured, such important ground had been gained, as to 
render part of his line untenable. 

The Forty-eighth occupied part of the eighteenth in burying 
eighty-one dead rebels in the swamp where the engagements of the 
twelfth took place. During the night preparations were made to 
change position, and before daylight of the nineteenth the command 
moved off, halting near the Anderson House, where entrenchments were 
constructed. Two reconnoissances were made by a portion of the 
division on the twentieth toward Stanuard's and Smith's Mills and the 
Po. General Potter gives the losses of the division in the operations 
before Spottsylvauia as *'one hundred and seventy-five (175) killed, seven 
hundred and sixty-two (762) wounded, two hundred and fifty-six (256) 
missing ; total, eleven hundred and ninety-three." 

Every day some skirmishing took place — the boys of the regiment 
were kept constantly on the alert. General Potter directed Colonel 
Curtin on the afternoon of the twenty-first of May to push forward with 
the First Brigade and Jones' Eleventh Massachusetts Battery and 
possess the crossing of the Po River at Stannard'a Mill ; he following 
shortly after Avith the Second Brigade. Curtin drove the enemy's 
skirmishers across the river near Stanuard's Mill. The rebels were 
strongly entrenched on the south side of the river and opened a heavy fire 
of shells on the advance of the First Brigade. The skirmishers became 
briskly engaged along the bank of the river. Whilst General Potter 
was examining the ground for position and to find a ford, he received 
an order to suspend any contemplated attack — to place a brigade ^vith 
a battery in position to cover the passing column, and to move by way 
of Smith's Mill to Downer's bridge. The duty of holding this position 
fell upon the First Brigade and Jones' Eleventh Massachusetts Bat- 
tery. All night long, until well into the next morning, the men 
guarded the ford — covering the passing column, consisting of the entire 
Ninth and Sixth Army Corps. On the twenty-second, being relieved, 
the First Brigade rejoined the division at Downer's bridge about 1 
o'clock in the afternoon. Accompanying the column the regiment 
moved on to Bethel Church later in the day. The following day the 
march was resumed to the neighborhood of Oxford, on the North Anna 
River. On the twenty-fourth this stream was crossed at Chesterfield 
bridge, under a heavy artillery fire, and position was taken on the right 
of Mott's Brigade of Birney's Division of the Second Corps. A sharp 
skirmish ensued, the line moving well up to the enemy. Strong entrench- 
ments were thrown up, an occupation the Forty-eighth became well 



152 

accustomed to, as Pleasants required the command to protect themselves 
in this way every night, and by this forethought and prudence saved the 
lives of many of the men. This enabled the regiment to do very c-ffective 
work on tlie enemy, with comparative slight loss to itself In these opera- 
tions, the division was under the direction of General Hancock, com- 
manding the Second Corps, as General Potter had been directed to 
report to him. The twenty-fifth was occupied in picket firing, which, 
whilst continuous, resulted in trifling loss to the Forty-eighth, protected 
as it was, with a good line of works. During the afternoon of the 
twenty-sixth. General Potter attacked the enemy in his front, drove 
back the whole line of skirmishers and established his line much 
further in advance. The loss was considerable — particularly to the 
Sixth New Hampshire, whose lieutenant-colonel, Pierson, was instantly 
killed. Between 9 and 10 o'clock the Second Division withdrew to the 
north side of the North Anna, and went into camp near Mt. Carmel 
Church. 

During the afternoon of the twenty-seventh, the command moved 
from Mt. Carmel Church and marched to Hanovertown, near which 
place it crossed the Pamunkey River on the night of the twenty-eighth* 
The next morning the march was resumed — position being taken to 
the left of Harris' shop, where a line of entrenchments were built. On 
the thirtieth the forward movement was continued and the Tolopotomy 
was crossed near Viars. Here the Forty-eighth drove the enemy's 
skirmishers back upon his main line, having advanced a half a mile 
from the river. This was a short, sharp skirmish most brilliantly 
executed. 

The position was entrenched, and pickets placed a half mile 
further to the front. This line was held until the next day, when a 
further advance of three-quarters of a mile was accomplished over the 
most diflacult ground yet encountered. The regiment displayed con- 
spicuous gallantry in this severe engagement, and lost three valuable 
officers: Major Joseph A. Gilmour, beloved by all who knew his 
manly worth, one of the first men to offer his services to the govern- 
ment, and one who had from that hour given his entire time in the 
defence of the nation — in the fight last mentioned, whilst almost in 
view of the spires of the rebel capitol, was struck by a minie ball in 
the left knee, fired from a rebel sharpshooter's rifle. This painful 
wound necessitated the immediate amputation of his limb. The opera- 
tion was performed in the field hospital by Surgeon Theodore S. 
Christ. Gilmour was sent in au ambulance some twenty miles to 
White House, Va., and bore the painful journey most heroically. 



153 

Subsequently he was taken to Seminary Hospital, Georgetown, D. G. 
where he died on the ninth of June. He was buried in Pottsville with 
masonic ceremonies, attended with military honors, on Sunday, the 
twelfth of June, 1864. The occasion was marked by a great outpouring 
of the people, who loved and honored! the dead hero. General Potter, 
in his report, speaks of the loss of Gilmour as that of an " invaluable 
officer." 

Lieutenants William H. Hume, of Company B, and Samuel B. 
Laubenstine, of Company H, were likewise killed on this fateful 
thirty-first of May — the latter instantly. Lieutenant Hume was shot 
through the arm, but the trying work of the campaign had so reduced 
his system that he failed to recover from the shock of the wound and 
died in a few days. These were good officers — they had proved them- 
selves worthy on many fields of battle. 

Enough of a forward movement was made on the morning of 
June 1 to discover the doings and whereabouts of the enemy, but care 
was taken not to bring on any engagement. The line secured by the 
fight of the thirty-first of May was maintained until late during the 
night of June 1, when it was abandoned as the Second Corps had 
withdrawn from the right and the line taken up on the thirtieth of May 
was returned to. On the afternoon of the second of June the com- 
mand moved to the vicinity of Bethesda Church. Position was taken 
on the extreme right. The enemy followed, resulting in some little 
skirmishing, with quite an attack on the left. 

A heavy rain storm during the night made every one most uncom- 
fortable. Some time was occupied by the men of the Forty-eighth early 
on the morning of the third in drying their blankets and clothing before 
wood fires. General Potter directed Colonel Curtin to attack the enemy 
with the First Brigade. This attack was made with great vigor, 
and the enemy's skirmishers were driven across the creek, and some 
prisoners were captured. The advance continued over the creek — the 
enemy was routed out of houses and outbuildings, as well as some 
breastworks that were within a few yards of the road running to Shady 
Grove and Cold Harbor. The rebels occupied this road as their main 
line. The First Brigade established itself upon the advanced position 
it had secured. A rebel battery in its front was exceedingly annoying, 
and the men of the brigade began to pay their respects to it — blowing 
up two of the caissons, and very efiectually silencing the guns. The Forty- 
eighth formed line of battle about 7 o'clock in the morning facing east, 
on the right of the road near Shady Grove Church. Company E as 
skirmishers, deployed to the front, advancing with the main line rapidly 



154 

following, over a cleared field. The Hue moved with guide centre. 
The skirmishers jiushed rapidly on through a deep gully, with the regi- 
ment in close touch, aud as the high ground was reached, the enemy's 
skirmishers were encountered. Company E's boys went at them 
with a will, and savagely drove them back on their entrenched lines. 
Some of the " Johnnies " occupied an old log house, as a superior 
vantage ground to repel the attack, but almost before they knew it, 
were made prisoners by the men of Company E. The destructive fire 
poured into this determined and successful line of skirmishers, caused 
the men of E to drop rapidly before it. The line retired behind the 
approaching regiment, when the engagement became general and severe. 
The Forty-eighth halted within eighty yards of the enemy and at once 
set about entrenching the position, keeping up a continuous fire of 
musketry into the ranks of the rebels, who were posted behind breast- 
works with a battery supporting them. 

The howling aud shrieking of the graj)e and canister poured into 
the regiment made up a regular " inferno," causing the very flesh to 
creep with horror ! During this terrific shower of deadly missiles, the 
men fought on most gallantly, at the saiue time gradually covering them- 
selves with the fast growing entrenchments. 

" Colonel Curtin's Brigade of General Potter's Division made a 
daring charge, drove in the enemy's skirmishers, carried some detached 
rifle pits, forced the enemy — consisting of portions of Longstreet's and 
E well's Corps — back into the inner works, and established itself in 
close proximity to his entrenchments." * 

During this engagement Private Daniel E. Reedy, of Company E, 
was shockingly wouuded. The report reaching the regiment in his 
case was as follows : " Supposed to have died on board the steamer, 
bound North from White House, Va. Five minie balls passed through 
him, two through right leg, one through left leg, one through right arm, 
and one through right breast; right leg amputated below upper wound." 
The muster-out roll says " Absent in hospital at muster-out." 

General Potter findiug the enemy too strong to assail with the 
First Brigade alone, commenced putting the Second Brigade in position 
to move across the road, when he received notice to delay his attack 
until after 1 p. m., to enable General Wilcox to attack simultaneously, 
the si^tnal for which was to be the opening of the batteries. 

However, before the hour to attack came all operations were sus- 
pended by order. 



* W'oodburj-'s " Burnside and the Ninth Anny Ccrp?," pp. 397-S. 



155 

Quite a furious fusillade was opened on the whole line by the 
enemy in the afternoon, under cover of which an attempt was made by 
him by means of prolongs, to haul off his silenced battery. The boys 
wouldn't have this, however, and by well-directed firing prevented his 
accomplishing his purpose. The losses of the brigade in the day's work 
was quite severe. The Forty-eighth lost seventy-five, killed and 
wounded. 

The enemy withdrew during the night, leaving their dead unburied 
and some wounded on the field. A caisson and ammunition, and 
several hundred stand of small arms were gathered up. 

This same morning, June 4, Colonel Pleasants ordered Companies 
G and F, of the Forty-eighth to advance. Leaving the breastworks, 
thrown up amidst the fiery hail of death the day before, these companies 
deployed as skirmishers, moved up to the enemy's line without molesta- 
tion, as it was found deserted. A number of new-made graves, eight or 
ten dead battery horses, and a limber chest marked the abandoned 
line. The advance was continued for a mile beyond — a straggling 
Johnny was found in a farm-house and brought back to the regiment a 
prisoner. The appearance inside of, and around the position occupied 
by the rebels, indicated a severe drubbing and evidenced great loss. 

The road beyond crossed a swamp and the duty of holding this 
bit of road at all hazards was entrusted to the Forty-eighth. Hastily 
entrenching the position, with a strong picket line in front, the regi- 
ment settled to the work. Potter's Division occupied the ground lying 
between Woody's and Tucker's, having relieved a brigade of Birney's 
Division of the Second Corps. The line was changed during the night 
of the fifth — the right was drawn back and extended and held the hill 
near Tucker's in the front. On ftirther to the right ran the skirmish 
line. This skirmish line extended for over two miles. 

The Forty-eighth holding that part of the main road running 
through a swamp, as stated, were subjected to a heavy artillery fire on 
the afternoon of the sixth. A column of rebel infantry emerged from 
the woods, drove in the pickets, and assailed the line held by the 
Forty-eighth with great vigor. 

The enemy planted two batteries near the Tucker and Boshen 
houses, opening fire therefrom with great rapidity. The shells shrieked 
and yelled, but beyond making a great noise resulted in very little 
damage. 

The Forty-eighth held the road firmly, repulsed the savage attack 
without loss, and re-established the picket line early the following moru- 
incr vseventh). Again on the seventh the enemy essayed to drive the 



156 

Second Division from the position it held. They drove in the skirmish- 
ers on the hill near Tucker's, captured a few prisoners from a working 
party and opened a furious shelling from a battery. Little damage was 
done, however, excepting to the horses about General Potter's head- 
quarters. The same night Potter advanced a skirmish line — the enemy 
fell back and the position was retaken. This line was thoroughly forti- 
fied on the eighth, and held by a force sufficient to repel any assault. 

These entrenchments and the entire position occupied by the 
Second Division were maintained without further efforts on the part of 
the enemy to dislodge it, save the never-ceasing fire kept up on the 
picket lines, until the twelfth of June. The losses of the division in 
the operations about Cold Harbor were quite severe. In his report 
General Potter gives them at 109 killed, 573 wounded and 64 missing, 
a total of 746. 

After dark on the evening of June 12 the division leaving the 
picket line in position moved out of the entrenchments, and marched 
to Tunstall's Station, reaching there early the next morning. About 
noon a further movement was made, toward the Chickahominy, and a 
bivouac had within less than a mile of that stream. Marching with the 
rest of the troops of the division the Forty-eighth crossed the Chicka- 
hominy River on the morning of the fourteenth of June, moving to 
within three miles of the pontoon bridge over the James River, remain- 
ing over night near Jones'. The Forty-eighth crossed the pontoon 
bridge over the James River bright and early on the morning of the 
sixteenth, and directed its march straight for Petersburg. The advanced 
works on the City Point road, captured a day or two before by Butler's 
command, were passed about noon, grimly marked by the dead bodies 
of negro troops, who had fallen in the assault upon them. These were 
the first dead colored troops the boys of the Forty-eighth had seen and 
their stiff forms eloquently answered the query as to whether the colored 
troops would fight or not. 

The enemy's works at Petersburg were readied by the regiment 
about 5 o'clock p. m., in time to witness the assault of Barlow's Division 
of the Second Corps. This charge was also participated in by the Second 
Brigade of the Second Division of the Ninth Corps, who were tempo- 
rarily attached to Barlow's Division by order of General Potter, that 
officer having been directed to send a brigade to support Barlow's attack. 

This charge was unsuccessful, the rebels maintaining their position, 
obliged Barlow to fall back, which he did, with the loss of some prisoners. 

The Forty-eighth were lying in a strip of woods, trying to secure 
some rest after the hard march from the James River, but this was not 



157 

to be. The assault having proved unsuccessful, orders came to the 
Forty-eighth to advance. Line of battle was formed under the frown- 
ing ramparts of a small fort, bristling with artillery, directly in the 
regiment's front. Twilight was rapidly closing in on the scene and all 
felt that an assault on the rebel works meant serious business for the 
Forty-eighth, but all were steeled to the task. The advance began ; 
some fifty yards beyond the woods were covered, when the line veered to 
the right, and filed into a gully through which ran a small creek. The 
movement continued to the right, following the winding of the creek, 
and leaving the enemy toward the left, until an abandoned part of the 
enemy's original line of works was reached. By this time it became 
too dark to distinguish objects at any distance. 

Companies B and G were detailed to reconnoiter the position of 
the enemy. This was about 10 o'clock at night. Deploying as 
skirmishers, these companies, with the rest of the regiment supporting, 
crossed over the little creek and advanced almost up to the enemy's 
works, who welcomed them with a lively volley of musketry. Under 
orders the line retired to the position secured in the abandoned works. 
So determined was Sergeant Wren and a private of B Company to 
ascertain the exact location of the rebel works that they ran right up 
against them, and the proverbial hospitality of the South induced the 
" Johnnies " to gather them into their ranks, and aflford them the delights 
of a Southern prison. 

The anxiety of Colonel Pleasants for the safety of the colors, 
during this midnight foray, is well remembered — he cautioned the 
greatest care to be observed lest some unforeseen accident should occur 
and they be lost in the dark. 

Very little sleep was permitted the regiment, for at 3 o'clock the 
next morning (seventeenth) the men were quietly aroused by Colonel 
Pleasants, who passed along the line, informing each company com- 
mander of the assault to be made on the enemy's lines. Caps were 
removed from the pieces, as reliance was to be had on the bayonet 
alone. He informed the men of the danger before them, and directed 
that if any felt disinclined to make the assault, they had permission to 
remain where they were. There is no record or evidence of any kind 
that a single man of the regiment took advantage of this offer — not one 
stayed behind ! Tin cups and cofiee pots were so secured as to make no 
rattling sound, and directions were passed along in whispered accents. 
Bayonets were silently fixed, the pieces, by order, recapped and the 
regiment moved quietly out of the old rebel works, left in front, 
with the stealthiness of Indians, over the creek where line of battle was 



158 

formed, in utter darkness. Moving to the right, for about a hundred 
yards with panther-like tread, a whispered command "forward!" was 
given, and the savage rush began. Some firing on the right of the 
regimental line, resulted in an immediate answer from the enemy, 
along their entire Hue, thus marking it vividly by the flashes of 
their muskets. Directly into this fiery ribbon, belching its leaden hail 
through the ranks of the charging liue, swept the Forty-eighth, 
emptying its muskets at the instant the rebels' works were reached. 

How the heart beat, and the pulse throbbed during that onslaught ! 
If fear or dread marked the supreme moment of the attack, it was 
banished completely in the glorious rush of the fight ! What a harvest 
of prisoners — they were captured by the score, disarmed, and sent to 
rear, only to be gathered up by the regiments in reserve and turned in as 
captives of their own. The Forty-eighth actually secured more prisoners 
than the regiment had men engaged in the fight. Two flags and 
two pieces of artillery were likewise part of the regiment's tro- 
phies. The colors of the Forty-fourth Tennessee were captured by 
Sergeant Patrick Monaghan, of Company F, and the colors of the 
Seventh New York Heavy Artillery were recaptured by Private 
Robert Reid, of Company G. For this gallant and praiseworthy 
deed the War Department conferred upon these two soldiers the 
United States Medal of Honor. The distinction gained by Mona- 
ghan and Reid was proudly accorded them by every man in the 
regiment, as all recognized the achievement as adding additional glory 
to the command. 

The early dawn disclosed the redan further south — which carried 
two guns that were making sad havoc, by enfilading the attacking line. 
This work was on the left and front of the Forty-eighth, about a 
hundred yards distance. The wild rush and wholesale gathering in of 
prisoners, and generally good time the regiment was having in what had 
already been accomplished, disturbed the formation of the command 
considerably, so Pleasants, seeing the necessity of securing this redan, 
hastily ordered the boys in line, and with the shout of " forward ! " made 
a dash for the fort. Like a savage torrent, the impetuosity of which 
Pleasants tried to stem, the regiment fairly tore over those hundred 
yards and swept through the fort irresistibly. The enemy ran in great 
disorder by squads and singly to their left and rear. The men attempted 
to fire on the fleeing foe, by reversing the guns, but the rebels foiled this 
" little game " by having loaded them with sand before leaving. The 
enemy brought a battery in position and shelled the captured fort, 
vainly trying to drive the regiment away. The guns were safely hauled 



159 

to the rear by hand, notwithstanding the heavy fire of shot and shell 
poured into the captors from the battery referred to. 

Whilst on the gun platform, endeavoring with others to fire the 
guns, Private Robert Reid, of Company G, felt uncomfortably near 
him flying chips, broken by shot and shell, from the planking used to 
line the inside of the embrasures. Seeking cover, he dropped into the 
hole used by the rebel gunners for protection, and lo ! a dozen of the 
" Johnuies," heretofore unobserved, were snugly stowed herein. They 
sui-rendered forthwith. Reid, with Sergeant Daniel Donne, of G, 
marched these captives to the rear, whilst others of the regiment were 
hauling off the cannon. 

The Forty-eighth maintained this liue, so gallantly and deter- 
minedly wrested from the enemy, fortifying and strengthening it by 
using the outside of the fortification for the new line, reversing the 
■position from the way the rebels planned it. This was probably, in all 
its results, the most brilliant engagement for the Forty-eighth of any in 
which it participated. Praise is due to every officer, from Colonel 
Pleasants down, and to every man who was in this grand assault, for 
the splendid record the work here accomplished has given to the 
Forty-eighth Regiment. This achievement, with the wonderful Mine, 
are two brilliant and remarkable jjages in the regiment's history, the 
like of which few other commands can boast. 

First Lieutenant Curtis C. Pollock, of Company G, and First 
Lieutenant Joseph Edwards, of Company I, received wounds in this 
engagement from which they died — the former on the twenty-third of 
June and the latter on the second of July. They were good ofiicers, 
rising from the ranks. Pollock was a "First Defender," having served 
during the three months' service in the " Washington Artillerists." He 
was literally fearless of danger, and, during the campaign beginning at 
the Wilderness, was frequently selected by Pleasants where cool judg- 
ment and fearlessness were needed. 

General Potter, in his report, gives the following formation of 
Curtin's brigade for the assault : " Curtin formed his brigade with the 
Forty-fifth and Forty-eighth Pennsylvania and Thirty-sixth Massachu- 
setts in front, supported by the Seventh Rhode Island, Second New 
York Mounted Rifles and Fifty-eighth Massachusetts Regiments. . . 
Curtin moved to the left of the house (Shand's) and toward the 
Redoubt No. — " The following account of this assault is from the pen 
of Charles Carleton Coffin. It is given because of its accuracy; it 
thoroughly substantiates every diary kept in the regiment : " About 
half a mile south of the house of Mr. Dfinn was the residence of Mr. 



160 

Shand, held by the rebels. . . The house was a large, two-story 
structure, fronting east, painted white, with great chimneys at either 
end, shaded by buttouwoods and gum-trees, with a peach orchard in 
rear. Fifty paces from the front door was a narrow ravine, fifteen or 
twenty feet deep, with a brook, fed by springs, trickling northward. 
West of the house, about the same distance, was another brook, the 
two joining about twenty rods north of the house. A rebel brigade held 
this tongue of land, with four guns beneath the peach trees. Their 
main line of breastworks was along the edge of the ravine east of the 
house. South, and on higher ground, was a redan, — a strong work with 
two guns, which enfiladed the ravine. Yet General Burnside thought 
that if he could get his troops into position unperceived, he could take 
the tongue of land, which would break the rebel line and compel them 
to evacuate the redan, 

" It was past midnight when General Potter led his division of the 
Ninth down into the ravine. The soldiers threw aside their knapsacks, 
haversacks, tin plates and cups, and moved stealthily. Not a word was 
spoken. The watches of the ofiicers in command had been set to a 
second. They reached the ravine Avhere the pickets were stationed, 
and moved south, keeping close under the bank. Above them, not 
fifteen paces distant, were the rebel pickets, lying behind a bank of 
sand. If their listening ears caught the sound of a movement in the 
ravine, they gave no alarm, and the troops took their position undis- 
turbed. The moon was full. Light clouds floated in the sky. Not a 
sound, save the distant rumble of wagons, or an occasional shot from 
the pickets, broke the silence of the night. The attacking column was 
composed of Griffin's and Curtin's brigades : Griffin on the right. . . 
The soldiers were worn with hard marching and constant fighting, and 
had but just arrived from City Point, yet they took their positions 
without flinching. The officers gazed at the hands of their watches in 
the moonlight, and saw them move on to the appointed time, — fifteen 
minutes past three. Twenty paces, — a spring up the steep bank would 
carry the men to the rebel pickets ; fifty paces to the muzzles of the 
enemy's guns. 'All ready!' was whispered from man to man. They 
rose from the ground erect. Not a gun-lock clicked. The bayonet was 
to do the work. 'Hurrah ! ' The lines rise like waves of the sea. 
There are straggling shots from the rebel pickets, four flashes of light 
from the rebel cannon by the house, two more from the redan, one 
volley from the infantry, wildly aimed, doing little damage. On, — up 
to the breastworks ! Over them, seizing the guns ! A minute has 
passed. Four guns, six hundred and fifty prisoners, fifteen hundred 



161 



muskete and four stands of colors are the trophies. The rebel line is 
broken. The great point is gained, compelling Lee to abandon the 
ground which he has held so tenaciously."* 



DUNN O ^ 




PETEflSBURS 
June 17, 1664. 

The skirmishing was continued all day of the seventeenth, after 
the victorious operations of the morning. General Potter put a battery 
in position near the front of the Second Division at the Shand House, 
and like batteries were placed in eligible positions in the rear of the 
line, to cover the attack intended to be made by the First and Third 
Divisions of the Ninth Corps. The Second was held in readiness to 
assist. On the morning of the eighteenth the Second advanced in sup- 
port of the Third Division. The Forty-eighth, with the First Brigade, 
took part in the attack. The regiment made a vigorous charge, driving 
the enemy rapidly before them— across the railroad cut and ravine 
beyond, getting within a short distance of their entrenchments. The 
position secured was nearer the rebel works than that gained by any 
Other portion of the army. It was strengthened and made secure. 

" It was the salient of our own lines during the entire subsequent 
siege of Petersburg."t This position was held by the Forty-eighth during 
the greater part of the entire siege, and it was from here that mining 
operations were carried on. Colonel Curtin, commanding the First 
Brigade, and his assistant adjutant-general. Captain Mighels, were 
severely wounded during the operations of the eighteenth, and the 
losses were especially heavy in all of the organizations participating. 
The command of the brigade now devolved upon Lieutenant-Colonel 
Pleasants. Captain Joseph H. Hoskings, of Company F, being the 
senior officer, took charge of the regiment. 

* " Four Years of Fighting," pp. 363-4-5. 
t " Burnside and Ninth Corps." p. 413. 



1.62 

The work of the Second and Third Divisions brought especial 
mention from General Biirnside in his leport of these operations. He 
said: "No better fighting has been done during the war than was done 
by the divisions of Generals Potter and Wilcox during the attack." 

General Robert B. Potter concludes his report of the operations of 
the Second Division from the Wilderness to and including the invest- 
ment of Petersburg, as follows: 

" From the nineteenth of June to the twenty-ninth of July nothing 
very marked occurred, each day being a rep tition of the preceding. 
During the fifth epoch (from June 12 to 29) my losses were 173 
killed, 744 wounded and 22 missing; total, 939. During the entire 
period, from the fifth of May to the twenty-ninth of June, 1864, inclu- 
sive, embraced in the foregoing report, the losses in action in the 
division were five hundi'ed and forty-two (542) killed, two thousand 
five hundred and five (2505) wounded and three hundred and eight}^- 
four (384) missing — making'a total of three thousand four hundred 
and thirty-one (3431) killed, wounded and missing." 

The lines were strongly entrenched — traverses, abatis and covered 
ways were l)uilt, as the least exposure of any part of the person was almost 
sure to result in injury. The nearness of the contending parties, at this 
particular part of the entrenchments, rendered it extremely important 
for the soldiers to keep well under cover. The Ninth Corps connected with 
the Second Corps on the right, and the Fifth Corps on the left, and was 
constantly under fire from the beginning to the ending of the siege. Life 
at the front was by no means pleasint or comfortable, yet the merry jest 
and joke could be heard at all times in the trenches and bomb proofs. 

It is extremely difficult to describe the feelings and sensations 
aroused during the tedious days of the siege. Life was counted of little 
worth — the familiarity with death almost bred contempt of the grim 
mobster. Still the presence of the great destroyer was daily manifested. 
Sometimes more vividly and closely than at others. On the twenty- 
fifth of June, whilst doing his full duty on the skirmish line. Captain 
Benjamin B. Shuck, of Company I, was mortally wounded. He suf- 
fered greatly from this wound for over a month, dying in the hospital 
on the twenty-seventh of July. He was highly esteemed as a thoroughly 
efficient officer, and a very good man in all respects. These grim 
reminders of dangers at the front served to keep all constantly alert. 

An important work, however, was to fall to the lot of the Forty- 
eighth, which soon became a never, ending source of entertainment, dis- 
cussed on the picket line, in the trenches, covered ways, and back of 
bomb proofs — the building of a mine under the rebel works ! 



CHAPTER XII. 



THE PETERSBURG MINE. 



Colonel Sigfried having been selected by General Burnside, at the 
outset of the campaign, as has already been stated, to command the 
First Brigade of the Fourth (colored) Division of the Ninth Corps, 
the command of the Forty-eighth devolved upon Lieutenant-Colonel 
Henry Pleasants. This young and gallant officer was much valued by 
his regimental, brigade, division and corps commanders. He was a 
soldier of true grit, possessed of more than ordinary ability as an 
engineer — ability that he displayed many times during the campaign 
from the Rappahannock down to Petersburg, in the erection of tempo- 
rary fortifications which he required the regiment to build every night, 
and the lives of many of the men were saved through this precaution. 

Pleasants was in all respects an American — thoroughly so — a pure 
type of progressive young America — his career shows remarkable 
understanding in a young man. He sprang from an old Virginia 
Quaker family, although his father was born in Philadelphia. Whilst 
in business in South America, this gentleman married a South Ameri- 
can lady, and General Henry Pleasants was the result of this union. 
His impetuous nature, and quick, fiery temper, but withal generous, good- 
heartedness, comes of this Americo-Spanish blood. He was bom at 
Buenos Ay res, on the seventeenth of February, 1833, thus being but 
thirty-one at the time of the completion of this masterly piece of 
engineering skill. At thirteen years of age he came to Philadelphia — 
entered the S. W. Grammar School, and graduated from the High 
School in February, 1851, with the degree of Bachelor of Arts, and in five 
years thereafter, received the degree of Master of Arts. He began civil 
engineering in April, 1851, on the western division of the Pennsylvania 
Railroad — he resigned from that road when it was opened through to 
Pittsburg, for travel, and was made senior assistant engineer on the 
Pittsburg & Connellsville Railroad in 1853. 

Whilst occupying this position he built that portion of the road 
lying between the towns of McKeesport and West Newton, on the 
Youghiogheny River, and began the excavation of the great Sand 
Patch tunnel through a spur of the Alleghany Mountains, which 
tunnel was to have been 4200 feet long. Here was a most important 
work, in charge of young Pleasants in 1854, when he was just twenty-one 

(163) 



164 

years of age — a work requiring engineering ability of a high order. 
During '54 and '55 he sank four perpendicular shafts in the crest of the 
Alleghanies, whose depths were from 120 to 200 feet, for the purpose 
of expediting the work and hastening the tunnel to completion. Just 
at this time, the chief engineer and president of the road, Mr. O. W. 
Barnes, a warm friend of Pleasants, was, in the latter's judgment, un- 
justly displaced, so, Pleasants, loyal to his chief, resigned from the 
road in 1856, and returned to his home in Philadelphia. Having 
gained considerable knowledge of mining, in the excavations of the 
tunnels named, and in one on the Connellsville Railroad, and also 
amongst the mines in the bituminous coal region, he located in January, 
1857, in Pottsville, Schuylkill County, in the midst of the anthracite 
coal region, and devoted his attention to mining engineering with great 
success, until the breaking out of the rebellion. 

Pleasants' career before the war, shows that he took with him into 
the service, qualities eminently fitting him for the successful carrying 
through of so grand a project as the Petersburg mine, and should allay 
the doubts expressed as to his ability as an engineer. Even after the 
success of the mine was assured, and had been demonstrated, some of the 
Regular Army engineers still doubted. 

It is not surprising that so ardent a lover of his profession as 
Pleasants, and so earnest a soldier of the war, should employ his active 
mind in devising ways and means to end the rebellion. When these 
two salients in the opposing line, so temptingly lying opposite each 
other came under his notice, his profession came to aid his soldierly 
qualifications, and his quick eye took in the advantage of the situation, 
and the idea of undermining the rebel fort was projected. 

This was as early in the siege as the twenty-first of June, and the 
entire practicability of excavating such a mine never for a moment left 
him. The idea of undermining the enemy's works originated, as I have 
said, in Pleasants' own mind— the exact location was unconsciously 
suggested to him by Captain, subsequently Brevet Brigadier-General, 
McKibben, of General Robert B. Potter's staff, by pointing out the 
position of the rebel battery. It will be remembered that the Union 
and rebel lines were so near together on the Ninth Corps' front, that it 
was perilous to rise above the breastworks. Whilst Pleasants and 
McKibben were making observations of the point where the battery 
was supposed to be located, a sharpshooter detected them, and 
McKibben was terribly wounded in the face. All of Pleasants' 
subsequent triangulations had to be made under the same danger, and 
subjected to the same chances. 



Sketch 

of 

MINE 

Commences June ZS. 1864 
Pinished Jcj/i/ 23 WW 
Exploded Jdlu 30 186-i ^J 




T'tiT f r t T f I f M y ^"^ 

PPOFILE 

Uman Woyhs 
Sbaff- 




tm r 




J^ tM- 



165 

The project being thoroughly conceived, Pleasants first hinted it to 
Captain George W. Gowen, of Company C. He mentioned it also to 
Captain Frank Farquhar, of the United States Engineer Corps, at this 
time chief engineer of the Eighteenth Corps — both of these gentlemen 
were his former townsmen and friends. General Robert B. Potter, 
commanding the First Division of the Ninth Corps, was the first person 
to whom the matter was thoroughly explained. He entered heartily 
into the scheme aiding it with all the power he could. 

The idea of mining the rebel works may have entered the minds 
of the Regular Army engineers — the matter, it is said, was discussed, 
but was abandoned as impracticable — the distance to be overcome was 
thought too great — unheard of in military engineering. The spot selected 
by Pleasants was some four hundred feet from the front line of the Union 
works — considered too long a line by many, to hope for success, with 
the chances of meeting quicksands, underground marshes, and risk of 
discovery by the enemy. Pleasants, however, never doubted success — 
he seemed from the initial moment thoroughly con^onced of accomplish- 
ing it. Before mentioning the matter to Generals Potter and Burnside, 
division and corps commanders, he required the officers of his regiment 
to furnish him a list of the practical miners in each company. The men 
of the Forty-eighth at once devising the object, discussed the feasibihty 
of such a project around the camp fires, and in the trenches, believing 
with great unanimity in its entire practicability. 

This regiment has been called a regiment of miners, probably from 
the fact of its having been recruited in the mining region, especially 
marked, however, by these operations in front of Petersburg during the 
summer of 1864. The designation is by no means a proper one, as the 
great majority of the members knew little or nothing about the minmg 
business. There were a number of miners in the organization, as there 
were men of various other trades and occupations. The experiences 
and abilities of all classes being most successfully tested during its 
honorable career. 

The task, therefore, imposed on them was a very severe one, and 
they are entitled to great praise for the admirable manner in which 
they performed the work allotted them. 

On the twenty-fourth of June, Colonel Pleasants presented his 
plan to General Potter, commanding the division, who in turn proposed 
it to General Burnside. The latter sent for General Potter and Colonel 
Pleasants and had the matter fully explained to him. General Burn- 
side directed Colonel Pleasants to commence operations the next day, 
and if General Meade did not approve, the work could be stopped. 



166 



General Meade never formally approved of the project, but he did not 
forbid the work being done. Colonel Pleasants never received any 
assistance from the headquarters of the Army of the Potomac. The 
opinion of the engineers connected with those headquarters was adverse 
to the feasibility of mining at the point selected, owing to the great 
length of gangway necessary — not understanding how it could be 
ventilated. When Colonel Pleasants applied for the theodolite at the 
headquarters to use in making the triangulations, he failed to get it. , 
It was only through General Burnside's influence in securing an old one 
from "Washington City that he was enabled to run his lines successfully. 

At 12 o'clock noon on the twenty-fifth of June the mine was com- 
menced. The work was one of great difiiculty, attended with imminent 
danger and arduous labor. There was nothing to do it with except the 
men, — no tools, no plank, no nails, no wheel-barrows. Army picks were 
made smaller and straightened for mining purposes. Hickory sticks were 
fastened to cracker boxes so as to make hand-barrows, to convey the 
material excavated to a place where it could be piled outside the mine. 

In this connection, it is interesting to note what Captain J. C. 
Duane, Corps of Engineers, United States Army, says on page 208 of 
his " Manual for Engineer Troops. — Practical Operations in Mining." 
The " Tools required for Mining operations," he enumerates as follows i 



Pickaxe (common), 

" (short handled), 

Shovel (common), 

" (short handled), 

Push-pick, 

Rake, 

Canvas bucket, 

Windlass and rope, 

Rope-ladder, 

Wooden wedges and pins, 
" pickets. 

Miner's wagon. 

Wheelbarrow, 

Handsaw, 

Mallet, 

Hammer (claw), 

Rough-plane (one-quarter inch), 

Chisel, 

Gimlet, 

Two-foot rule. 



Plumb-bob, 

Boring rods, 

Five-foot rod, 

Bellows (miner's). 

Ventilating tube, 

Flexible joints, 

Iron candlestick. 

Lamp (miner's). 

Lantern, 

Oil-can, 

Measuring-tape, 

Cbmpass, 

Universal level. 

Needles, threads and scissors, 

Calico for hose. 

Hatchet, 

Tin funnel (for fitting hose). 

Rammers (short handled), 

Helves (spare). 

Sand bags. 



167 

Compare this outfit with Pleasants' meagre supply — this array of 
articles "required for mining operations," and mining operations, 
which compared to Pleasants' gigantic task, are insignificant — and 
then say whether he was far wrong when he afterward told General 
Barnard he was the superior of any engineer in the United States 
army. No such mine was ever before excavated in military operations, 
and the "regulars" said it could not be done. "Such a length of 
gangway," they said, " could not be ventilated." 

The ventilation was accomplished in a very simple way — after a 
method quite common in the anthracite coal mines. A perpendicular 
shaft or hole was made from the mine to the surface at a point inside of 
the Union rifle pits. A small furnace, or fire-place, was built at the 
bottom of this hole, or shaft, for the purpose of heating the air, and a 
fire was kept constantly burning, thus creating a draft. A door made 
of canvas was placed in the gallery, a little outside of this fire-place, 
thus shutting it in and shielding it from the outside air at the mouth of 
the mine. Wooden pipes, extending from the outside of this canvas 
door, along the gallery to the inner end thereof, conducted the fresh air 
to the point of operations, which, after supplying the miners with pure 
air, returned along the gallery towards the entrance of the mine, and, 
being stopped by the canvas door, the vitiated air moved into the 
furnace and up the shaft to the surface. By this means a constant 
current of air circulated through the gallery. As the work advanced, 
the inside end of the wooden pipe was extended so as to carry good air 
up to the face of the workings. The material loosened by the digging 
was conveyed outside by the cracker-box hand-barrows, and to avoid 
the risk of its being observed by the enemy, was kept constantly 
covered by bi'ush. The exact distance the mine had to go to reach the 
enemy's fort, and the course of his works, were obtained by five triau- 
gulations, made by Colonel Pleasants with a theodolite, secured, as 
stated, from Washington, under a picket fire which was kept up 
between the two lines for several months. 

The roof of the gallery, where it was wanting in tenacity and 
likely to fall, was supported by sets of timbers, consisting of four pieces : 
two props, one cap and one mud sill, notched into one another. Where 
the material Avas very soft, boards and planks were placed between the 
timbers, and the top, bottom and sides so as to form a complete casing. 
When the gallery approached near the enemy's works, all the timber 
was notched outside the mine, and put in place without noise or jar of 
any kind. The plank was obtained from a bridge over the Norfolk & 
Petersburg Railroad, and the boards from a saw-mill outside the Union 



168 

lines, some five or six miles distant. To obtain these Colonel Pleasants 
was obliged to send two companies of his regiment with wagons, to load 
them. No lumber was furnished from' headquarters, and no cavalry 
escort was proffered to guard against risks. The work in the mine was 
uninterrupted — it went on night and day — progressing rapidly. The 
men of the Forty-eighth Pennsylvania Volunteers were the only soldiers 
employed — they were divided into shifts or details — whose time to work 
varied as the gallery increased in length. The farther the excavation 
went the more men it required to carry out the material excavated, 
until, when it was near completion, almost every one of the 400 effective 
men of the regiment were pressed into service. Two officers were 
constantly with each shift to overlook the men. The mine being only 
four or five feet high, the labor of carrying the material excavated was 
very hard ; so the time of each shift was fixed at two hours and a half, 
and every man, after doing his work, received a ration, of whisky. 

On the second of July extremely wet ground was encountered by 
the miners ; the timbers gave way and the roof and the floor nearly 
met. It was re-timbered, but a stratum of marl of the consistency of 
putty was encountered, which made the progress exceedingly slow. The 
men of the regiment made all sorts of oddities : pipes, corps marks, 
crosses and the like, out of this material, which hardened on exposure 
to the air and sun. These were sent home in great quantity. To 
avoid this stratum of marl Pleasants started an inclined plane, rising in 
a hundred feet about thirteen and one-half feet perpendicularly. The 
main gallery was finished on the seventeenth of July and was Sllio feet 
long. Operations were stopped a little while, as information was 
received that the enemy had heard of the mine and were searching 
for it. 

Pleasants undertook to ferret out this supposed countermining 
scheme, so about midnight of the seventeenth he routed out Captain 
Winlack, and another member of the regiment. They cautiously 
entered the mine, without lights, remaining perfectly silent, and going 
as far back as the galleries extended, Pleasants remaining at the end of 
the main gallery, Captain Winlack in the right gallery and the other man 
in the left gallery. Lying down with every sense alert, in perfect dark- 
ness, and supreme quiet for a period of thirty minutes, until a low whistle, 
the intended signal, came from Pleasants, brought them together at the 
latter's position. Whispering in Winlack 's ear, Pleasants said, " What 
do you think about any counterboring ? " Winlack replied : " The rebels 
know no more of the tunnel being under them than the inhabitants 
■of Africa." "That's just what I believe," Pleasants said, confirming it 



169 

with some decided adjectives. Whispering to the other man and not 
catching his reply, as he spoke very softly, Pleasants broke out at the 
top of his voice, upbraiding the man for not speaking out so he could 
hear him. His voice rang from one end of the gallery to the other, 
putting to flight all his notions cautioning extreme silence ! 

On the eighteenth, however, operations were resumed and the left 
lateral gallery began — 6 o'clock the same day the right lateral gallery 
was commenced — the first was stopped at midnight of July 22 and was 
thirty-seven feet long, the second was stopped at 6 p.m. of July 23, 
and was thirty-eight feet long — each of these galleries were provided 
with chambers for placing the magazines containing the powder. 
The total amount of material excavated was at least 18,000 cubic 
feet. 

The mine was commenced to be charged with powder at 3 p. m. of 
July 27, and was finished during the night. The charge consisted of 
8000 pounds of powder — four tons. This was placed in eight magazines, 
connected together by wooden tubes half filled with powder. These tubes 
met from the lateral galleries at the inner end of the main gallery, and 
were here connected with three lines of fuses running along the main 
gallery to the face of the tamping. This tamping was about forty feet in 
length, and consisted of bags of sand placed loosely on one another, with 
long logs laid diagonally across the gallery, so as to be driven into the 
sides by the recoil of the explosion. Common blasting fuse was furn- 
ished, in pieces, instead of one continuous piece, which Colonel Pleasants 
was obliged to splice together. These lines were used ninety feet long, 
and placed in a wooden tube lined with canvas to guard it from the 
dampness. The tamping was finished and the mine was ready to be 
fired at 6 p. m. of July 28. 

Lieutenant-Colonel Pleasants was ordered to fire the mine at 3.30 
o'clock on the morning of July 30, 1864. Who can ever forget that 
morning, or the stillness of that hour ! The covered ways crowded with 
troops ready to spring into action as soon as the mine was sprung. The 
ominous silence stirred the hearts of our soldiers, as they never had been 
stirred, and their countenances were marked with an anxiety never 
before felt. A moment of profound quiet, to be followed by a 
tremendous shock. With bated breath the men awaited the decisive 
moment. Now came the anxious hour — the men of the Forty-eighth 
were terribly excited — their leader, the man in whose active brain the 
mine was projected, and whose opinions were about to be verified or 
proved delusive, stood ready to apply the fatal match — 3.30 a. m. 
arrived and with quick, nervous strides, Pleasants entered the gallery 



170 

and ignited the fuse. Hastening to the surface he stood with watch in 
hand mounted on an earthworks awaiting the explosion. 

Imagine his anxiety, as he told off, to those beside him, the lapse 
of seconds, which would soon prove the correctness of his work ! 
The time for the explosion passed. Pleasants became like a maniac 
— he knew where the defect was — those spliced fuses would defeat 
his great project ! 

Lieutenant Jacob Douty, of Company K, and Sergeant Henry Reese, 
of Company F, — Pleasants' sturdy helpers — immediately volunteered to 
enter the gallery and ascertain the cause of the trouble. Of course amongst 
the men all was excitement. The daring couple rapidly ran into the gal- 
lery, and finding a knife would be required, Reese hurried out again to 
borrow one, and returning, the two men tore away the tamping, and came 
to the extinguished fuse. As Pleasants had surmised, it was where they 
had been spliced. Cutting the fuse at a point where the dampness had 
not penetrated they relighted it, and regained the outside as rapidly as 
possible. All this took time, precious time that could have been saved 
if army headquarters had furnished proper material, so that it was 
sixteen minutes before five when the explosion took place. A heavy 
reverberation shakes the earth — a hollow rumbling sound breaks on the 
ear. The explosion has come ! A vast cloud of earth is borne upward, 
one hundred feet in air, presenting the appearance of an outspread 
umbrella, descending in the twinkling of an eye with a heavy thud I 
Then, from hundreds of cannons' mouths, with a deafening roar, the 
iron hail poured into the rebel lines. 

The mine was proven a perfect success, the eflfects of the explosion 
went even beyond Pleasants' expectation. The size of the crater formed 
by the explosion was at least two hundred (200) feet long, fifty (50) 
feet wide, and twenty-five (25) feet deep. 

The eflTect upon the enemy was tremendous. He was completely 
paralyzed, A breach was made in his lines practically four or five 
hundred feet wide, instead of being bound by the edges of the crater 
only. He was so completely stunned that after firing a hasty volley, 
it was nearly, if not quite an hour before he recovered from the shock. 
The rebel fort, its garrison, together with the line of rifle pits in its 
front were destroyed. Some three or four hundred rebels were killed 
by the explosion. The garrisons of the forts to the northwest became 
panic stricken, and abandoned their guns. 

With a shout, sounding above the awful din, the First Division 
of the Ninth Corps leap the Union works and charge upon the doomed 
fort, but without a leader ! Where is the commanding general of that 



171 

First Division. Alas ! he never left his safe retreat behind a bomb- 
proof on the Union side ! His division occupy the crater — the men 
lying down under cover of the earthworks and the mounds of earth 
thrown up by the explosion. Fatal halt ! The broad gateway opened 
to Petersburg by Pleasants, is choked and crowded by troops who had 
been taught all through the campaign to constantly seek cover. 

There was absolutely not a thing to prevent the occupation of the 
hill beyond, and Ledlie's neglect to do so, cannot be excused or 
atoned. Once secured Lee's troops would have been completely cut in 
two, and his army then and there destroyed. 

Captain W. Gordon McCabe in the " Defence of Petersburg," a 
paper published in the Southern Historical Societies' papers, writes : 

" Pleasants has done his work with terrible completeness, for now 
the site of the Elliott salient is marked by a horrid chasm, 135 feet in 
length, 97 feet in breadth, and 30 feet deep, and its brave garrison, 
all asleep, save the guards, when thus surprised by sudden death, 
lie buried beneath the jagged blocks of blackened clay — in all, 25 offi- 
cers and men of the Eighteenth and Twenty-second South Carolina — two 
officers and twenty men of Pegram's Petersburg Battery (Beauregard's 
M. S.). The dread upheaval has rent in twain Elliott's brigade, and 
the men to right and left of the huge abyss recoil in terror and dismay." 

One other extract from a newspaper published in the South is 
pertinent : 

" The explosion of the Burnside mine at a point of the Union 
defences before Petersburg, has been held by many to have been an 
entire failure, but it seems that it was otherwise. A recent visitor to 
the spot had the following information from a gentleman who accom- 
panied him : 

" * I was an officer in the Confederate Army, and I was in this fight 
and all others that occurred in this immediate vicinity. I saw that 
explosion and know of the effects and let me assure you that it was 
not a failure. The mine was sprung immediately under a battery sup- 
ported by 200 men, and of that number only two escaped ; and, 
notwithstanding all our newspapers may have said to the contrary, in 
those desperate charges which were made on the day of and succeeding 
the explosion, we lost 3000 men, and no one thing during the whole war 
produced such a demoralizing influence among our troops, and in my 
opinion, tended more strongly to terminate the contest. From that day 
desertions became more frequent, and from the uncertain horrors which 
that event threw around services " in front " the greatest dissatisfaction 
began to prevail in all the ranks of the army.' " 



172 

The Forty-eighth, by order of General Burnside, did not partici- 
pate in the attack, he deeming the great service performed by it 
sufficient work. The regiment acted as provost guard arresting strag- 
glers from the front. Every man in its ranks was under fire. Pleasants 
wanted to lead the charge with his regiment — had he done so there 
would have been no failure, or there would have been no Forty-eighth 
left to hear of it. 

He was on General Potter's staff as a volunteer, and made several 
trips to and from the crater during the engagement. Indeed he was 
more like a crazy man that day, than one in possession of his senses. 

The following acknowledgment of the regiment's service was made 
by General Meade, commanding the Army of the Potomac : 

Acknowledgment of special services of 43th Regiment Pennsylvania Veteran Volunteers. 

peab-^uartcrs, ^rmj of tlje ^otamac, 

August 3d, 1864. 
General Orders, ) 
No. 3S. / 

The Commanding General takes great pleasure in acknowledging the 
valuable services rendered by Lieutenant-Colonel Henry Pleasants, 48th Regi- 
ment Pennsylvania Veteran Volunteers, and the officers and men of his command, 
in the excavation of the mine which was successfully exploded on the morning 
of the 30th ultimo under one of the enemy's batteries in front of the Second 
Division of the Ninth Army Corps. 

The skill displayed in the laying out of and construction of the mine reflect 
great credit upon Lieutenant-Colonel Pleasants, the officer in charge, and the 
willing endurance by the officers and men of the regiment of the extraordinary 
labor and fatigue involved in the prosecution of the work to completion are 
worthy of the highest praise. 

By command of Major-General Meade: 

S. WILLIAMS, 

Assistant Adjutant General. 
Official: 

Assistant Adjutant General. 

It is needless to enter into a discussion of the causes of the failure 
on the part of the Union forces to achieve one of the grandest successes 
of the war, after the explosion of the mine. The mine was not a failure 
— its projector and the men of the Forty-eighth had done their work, 
so their glory in the event remains imperishable. It is well to record 
Pleasants' opinion. In a communication to the writer, referring to the 
mine, he says : "A project, the success of which was perfect, and which, 



173 

had it not been for the want of harmony between the generals com- 
manding the Ninth Corps and Army of the Potomac, and the bad 
conduct of the commander of the First Division, would have broken 
through the thin shell that separated us from the heart of the Confed- 
eracy and ended the war then and there." 

A Congressional Committee on the Conduct of the War, made a 
very elaborate and searching inquiry into the causes which led to such 
an unsatisfactory ending of a project so full of promise. Two extracts 
are given from the report of this committee, which are conclusive. 
Here they are : 

" Lieutenant-Colonel Pleasants labored under disadvantages in the 
successful accomplishment of this important work, which would have 
deterred a man of less energy. It was not merely the evident lack of 
faith in the success of the enterprise shown by all the officers of high 
rank, except his division and corps commanders, but that lack of faith 
was accompanied by an entire failure to furnish the assistance and 
implements necessary to the success of the undertaking, within a 
reasonable time. The testimony of Lieutenant-Colonel Pleasants shows 
that he had to dig and mine with only the men of his own regiment ; 
that the dirt had to be carried out in cracker-boxes, slung between 
poles, for lack of wheelbarrows ; that he was even refused the use of an 
instrument at headquarters, wherewith to make the necessary triangula- 
tions, but that General Burnside had to send to Washington for an old 
fashioned theodolite. General Meade and Major Duane, chief engineer 
of the Army of the Potomac, said the thing could not be done ; that it 
was all clap-trap and nonsense ; that such a length of mine had never 
been excavated in military operations and could not be. 

" In conclusion, the cause of the disastrous result of the assault of 
the thirtieth of July last is mainly attributable to the fact, that the plans 
and suggestions of the general who had devoted his attention for so long 
a time to the subject, who had carried out to so successful completion the 
project of mining the enemy's works, and who had carefully selected 
and drilled his troops, for the purpose of securing whatever advantages 
might be attainable from the explosion of the mine, should have been 
so entirely disregarded by a general who had evinced no faith in the 
successful prosecution of that work, had aided it by no countenance or 
open approval, and had assumed the entire direction and control only 
when it was completed, and the time had come for reaping any 
advantage that might be derived from it." * 



* Report Conduct of the War, 1865, Vol. i. Battle of Petersburg. 



174 

Speaking of this mine, on page 313 of the second volume of his 
Memoirs, Grant says : " When it did explode, it was very successful, 
making a crater twenty feet deep and something like a hundred feet in 
length." 

There, boys of the Forty-eighth, you can rest contented with the 
truthful summing up of the committee who inquired into the matter. 
Everyone on duty at the mine can confirm the conclusion reached. 

The plan of operations to be pursued upon the completion of the 
mine had been thoroughly digested. The drilling of the Fourth 
Division of the Ninth Army Corps was a part and parcel of the plan. 
It was intended that this division should play an important part in the 
assault on the rebel works— so the movements in which these troops 
were daily instructed were just the movements to be executed after the 
explosion of the mine. The fatal change in the body of attacking 
troops, made twelve hours before the assault, rendered these weeks of 
preparations of positively no effect whatever. 

Sigfried was to lead the charge with his brigade, and but for the 
fatal change made in the leading column, would have carried his dusky 
warriors to the top of Cemetery Hill as certain as Pleasants dug the 
mine ! How grandly his brigade charged over the cleared ground 
between the lines, raked by minie ball, shot and shell as no single spot 
had ever been raked before ! 

The gateway made by Pleasants was choked and closed by troops 
trained to seek shelter under fire. The order came to Sigfried to 
charge. Gathering his sword and scabbard up in his arms, he turned 
to the writer : " Come on, Bosby ! " and, leaping the Union parapets, 
followed by his staff and the black regiments of his brigade, bore down 
upon the crater, and, finding it crowded with the men of the white 
regiments, carried his command over the mounds bordering the 
slaughter-hole, and established his lines to the right. The result is 
known. No troops could have saved the day after the fatal halt of the 
First Division. No troops entered the fight under as severe a fire as 
the colored troops, and no troops marched steadier or behaved with 
greater coolness. Hundreds of black men's bodies covered the sward 
that hot July day. Six hundred maimed, rent and disfigured sons of 
Ham laid suffering at the general field hospital. What does Sigfried 
say? 

" Had it not been for the almost impassable crowd of troops of the 
leading divisions in the crater and entrenchments, Cemetery Hill would 
have been ours without a falter on the part of my brigade." Sigfried's 
Report, July 31, 1864. 



175 

" General Grant, himself, in his testimony, expresses his belief that 
if they (the colored troops) had been placed in advance, as General 
Burnside desired, the assault would have been successful." Report 
Conduct of the War. 

A participant in the terrible mine fight can never forget its dread 
horrors. The dead bodies of the rebel soldiers who had garrisoned the 
fort, lie scattered about, stripped of clothing by the force of the 
explosion. A Thirty-sixth Massachusetts soldier says : " Sitting on the 
loose earth in the crater, a soldier felt a movement under him, and, 
upon removing a few inches of earth, he found a rebel soldier, who was 
quickly removed from his temporary grave, and after a little time, 
rallied sufficiently to tell us his experience and opinion of rapid transit. 
He said he was standing near one of the guns, with one foot on the 
hub of a wheel ; aU was quiet, and he was thinking of home, when 
the earth seemed to give way, a terrific noise, and he lost conscious- 
ness. How far skyward he went, he had no means of knowing. His 
escape from death was most remarkable. We sent him a prisoner 
back to our lines, and the poor fellow walked as if he expected 
an explosion at every step. Whether he lived or died we do not 
know." 

The surgeon of the Eighteenth South Carolina Regiment, whose 
colonel was W. H. Wallace (after the war. Judge Wallace, of South 
Carolina), gives the following experience of two members of his regi- 
ment. This command occupied the ditches on the left of the blown up 
battery : " In one of the bomb-proofs on the extreme right of the 
Eighteenth South Carolina Volunteers, and just to the left of the mine. 
Lieutenant Williard Hill, Company E, and Sergeant Greer, Company 
A, Eighteenth South Carolina Volunteers, having been relieved from 
duty an hour before, were sleeping. The first they realized of it was 
the shock, then a deep darkness, and then a consciousness that the 
mine had been sprung and that they had been buried, how deep they 
could not imagine. Their first impulse was a deep, indescribable 
despair — heart-sickening, heart-rending hopelessness, that left them 
almost powerless for a time. But what could they do ? They had 
nothing to dig out with but a bayonet that Sergeant Greer had in his 
belt, and there was but 'a canteen of water in the cell. . . . Among 
the missing are Lieutenant Hill and Sergeant Greer. We left them in 
their almost living grave, Greer digging with his bayonet, while Hill 
passed back the dirt, with all the desperation of despair. They hear 
not, heed not the battle that is raging above them, but toil on. Often 
hope would spring up in their hearts, to give way only to despair. 



176 

Hill has often told me how, when he awoke to a consciousness of his 
condition, the thoughts that flashed through his brain like lightning ; 
how he thought if he could only see one ray of light, or breathe the 
fresh air once again ; that if he could only let his wife know how and 
where he died, that death would be a relief to him. Almost suffocated 
for want of fresh air, they worked on ; at last it seemed to them that 
something had crushed them ; they had dug through the loose bowlders 
and the light burst upon them. They both, overcome with the sudden 
transition from their suffocation and despair^to light and hope, fainted. 
How long they remained there they know not. When they awoke 
from their swoon, the first sound that broke on their ears was the clash 
of arms and the quick rolling roar of the battle as it raged around and 
above. Almost in stupor, trying to realize that they could again see 
the light of heaven and hear the voice of a living creature, they laid 
still until they recovered their minds enough to know what was going 
on. Hill often told me that when he knew and realized that it was a 
battle, the sound was the sweetest music that ever greeted his ears. At 
last the cry of victory rose high above everything else. They knew 
that somebody was vanquished, and that somebody was victor; who, 
they knew not. They emerged from their awful retreat, weak, worn in 
body, and with minds almost crazed. They were brought back to me 
at the field hospital more dead than alive, for, strange as it may seem, 
they were the most sadly changed men that I ever beheld. Both were 
fine-looking soldiers before ; now they were weak, with sunken cheeks 
and eyes. Lieutenant Hill, whose hair twenty-four hours before was 
black, without a single gray hair in it (as he was only thirty years old), 
was now almost as white as snow." 

Shortly after this fight. General Barnard, chief engineer of the 
Armies of the United States, sent for Pleasants to come and see him. 

After a polite salutation. General Barnard said to Pleasants : 
" What experience have you ever had, sir, as an engineer ? " " The old 
fool ! " Pleasants said to the writer, who slept with him the night suc- 
ceeding this interview, from which he returned with evidences of having 
been hospitably entertained : " The old fool, he made rae mad, so I 
blurted out, 'I'm a better engineer than you've got in the whole 
Regular Army.' ' I'm happy to know you ! I'm happy to know you,' 
Barnard replied, bowing low in his sarcasm. ' I am,' returned Pleas- 
ants, ' and I'll tell you why — an oflficer educated at West Point throws 
aside his theodolite when he leaves the academy, and scarcely has use 
for it afterwards, whilst I, sir, have to study that instrument daily in 
order to earn my bread and butter. My existence and those dear to 



177 

me, depend on my skill with the theodolite, whilst your regular's pay 
goes on, whether he ever again sees the instrument or not.' " 

A long conversation ensued, and wound up by General Barnard 
requesting Pleasants to walk along the lines of the army and point out 
suitable places for mining operations, and report to him his suggestions. 
Pleasants' last words that night were that he'd "see him in h — 1 first!" 

Four months later he left the service a greatly disappointed and 
disgusted man. The President, on the sixteenth of December, 1864, 
conferred the rank of Brevet Colonel of Volunteers, which Pleasants 
declined. On the thirteenth of March, 1865, he received the appoint- 
ment of Brevet Brigadier-General of Volunteers "For skillful and 
distinguished services during the war, and particularly in the construc- 
tion and explosion of the mine before Petersburg." This appointment 
was subsequently confirmed by the United States Senate. All of 
which was most richly deserved. Pleasants' name is so intertwined 
with that of the Forty-eighth — he gave it so glorious a record — that as 
long as one is remembered, the other will be also. 



12 



CHAPTER XI; 



FINAL ASSAULT AND MUSTER-OUT. 

The morning of July 31, 1864, was a bright and beautiful one — 
indeed, the entire day was delightful. The lines about Petersburg were 
more than usually quiet — how great the coutrast compared to the awful 
scene of carnage twenty-four hours before ! The dead and dying still 
strewed the ground between the contending lines. A flag of truce was 
sent out in the afternoon, proposing a cessation of hostilities, to permit 
the removal of the wounded and the burying of the dead, but this was 
not recognized. General Lee was in Richmond and had to be com- 
municated with. The next morning, however, the white flag was 
honored for three hours, and under its operation, the wounded were 
cared for and the dead buried. On the second of August, Captain 
Bosbyshell, having been commissioned major of the Forty-eighth Regi- 
ment by Governor Andrew G. Curtin, upon the recommendation of 
Lieutenant-Colonel Pleasants and Colonel Sigfried, was relieved from 
the position of acting assistant adjutant-general of the First Brigade, 
Fourth Division, Ninth Army Corps, by General Burnside, and 
reported to his regiment, taking command thereof. 

The regiment was on the skirmish line, under the command of 
Captain Joseph H, Hoskings, of Company F, the senior officer present. 
At this time the Forty-eighth was temporarily attached to the Second 
Brigade, with Lieutenant-Colonel Pleasants commanding the brigade. 

The tour of skirmish duty terminated on the third of August, but 
unfortunately for Captain Hoskings, before leaving the front line, he 
was severely, though not dangerously, wounded by a rebel sharpshooter. 
The minie ball passed through the fleshy part of his left breast at an 
angle, taking, in its course, the muscles of his left arm, making four 
distinct holes. 

Matters resumed the regular siege life again — the picket firing 
constant, and good men lost every day. Whilst sitting beside his tent, 
on the afternoon of August 5, Lieutenant David B. Brown, of Company 
H, was mortally wounded, dying as he was being conveyed to the hos- 
pital. He was a " First Defender," having served as a private in the 
Washington Artillerists during the three months' service. He was 

(178) 



179 

mustered into the United States' service in the Forty-eighth as seventh 
corporal of Company H, on the nineteenth of September, 1861, and was 
promoted sergeant-major of the regiment in September, 1862, serving 
as such until June 21, 1864, when he was commissioned second lieuten- 
ant of Company H. An efficient soldier and officer, Lieutenant Brown 
was respected and liked by his comrades. 

The Forty-eighth, with the Second Maryland, all under the 
command of Major Bosbyshell, worked lustily on the main line of 
entrenchments all night of August 5, not being relieved until 5 o'clock 
on the morning of the sixth. 

Besting during the day, the front line was occupied at night — part 
of the regiment being to the right of the railroad, and the left wing to 
the left of the same — headquarters being on the railroad. In the 
trenches all of the seventh, exposed not only to the constant rebel firing, 
but to a sun of torrid heat. At 8 p. m. the Forty-fifth Pennsylvania 
and Fourth Rhode Island relieved the command, and camp was gladly 
re-occupied. The next was a day of rest, but at night the trenches in 
front were again assigned the regiment. The firing was sharp and 
rapid all the time along the line. The heat intense. So passed the 
tenth until 9 o'clock at night, when relief came in the shape of the 
Second New York Mounted Rifles, then acting as infantry. The 
monotony of the siege was occasionally relieved by visitation of friends, 
and in running about to see other organizations — but the transactions 
of one day could readily describe the transactions of another. A move 
took place at 2 o'clock a. m. of the fifteenth of August to a portion of 
the line held by the Fifth Corps. It was quite daylight when the new 
position was occupied, and the Forty-eighth filed into the place 
assigned, whilst the troops of the Fifth Corps filed out in full view of 
the rebels. They, however, remained quiescent, which was really 
remarkable, the policy thus far having been to fire at the sight of any 
body of troops. The weather was wet, making life behind the earth- 
works far from agreeable. The nights of the seventeenth and eighteenth 
were made especially disagreeable by reason of a heavy cannonading 
from the enemy. On the afternoon of the nineteenth the regiment 
moved to the extreme left of the Ninth Corps' lines, assisting in the 
capture of the Weld on Railroad. 

Lieutenant-Colonel Pleasants, having obtained a leave of absence 
to visit his home, the command of the regiment devolved upon Major 
Bosbyshell. 

The rainy weather continued, and the men of the regiment had an 
exceedingly rough time. On the twentieth, an advance of half a mile 



180 

or more was made. Five rebel prisoners were captured, and temporary 
entrenchments erected. The work on these entrenchments was contin- 
ued all of the next day, and a very heavy fight took place some 
distance to the left of the regiment. At noon the skirmishers in front 
of the command were driven in. Regimental line was formed back of 
the works and every one in readiness to repel an expected attack. 
This was occasioned by the enemy attempting to regain possession of 
the Weldon Railroad. After waiting some little time for the onslaught 
and no further demonstration being made, the enemy having been 
repulsed on the left with gieat loss. Major Bosbyshell desii'ed to 
re-establish the skirmish line. Lieutenant Jacob Douty volunteered to 
do this important and risky work. The front of the line of breast- 
works had been cleared of timber, but on the opposite side of the 
clearing was a heavy wood, and not a soul knew whether there was any 
force of the enemy there or not — so it was a brave act to jump our 
entrenchments, with a spade over his shoulder, as Douty did, and 
advancing across the clearing until nearly up to the opposite wood, 
coolly commenced digging a rifle pit in full view of friend and supposed 
foe alike. Plenty of volunteers followed Douty's plucky act, and in a 
short time the skirmish line was intact. No opposition was manifested 
— whether the rebels looked on or not, is not known — still the act of 
Lieutenant Douty, under the circumstances, exhibited courage of a 
high order — the kind of courage the medal of honor is intended to 
approve. 

At 4 o'clock in the afternoon the regiment was relieved by 
troops from the Second Brigade, Fourth (colored) Division, Niuth 
Army Corps, and camp was had in rear of brigade headquarters. 

On the afternoon of the twenty-second the command moved to 
the front and began the erection of a new line of entrenchments, which 
were finished the next afternoon. These were quite formidable works, 
and connected with the works on the right, thus making a continuous 
line from the Appomattox above City Point to the Yellow Tavern on 
the Weldon Railroad, 

During this tour of duty, there appeared one day a young staff 
officer, who stated that he had been tent to make an inspection of the 
regiment. The regiment was ordered into line, but Lieutenant-Colonel 
Pleasants not being very well, directed Major Bosbyshell to take com- 
mand. The inspection of arms and accoutrements proceeded quite 
satisfactorily. At its conclusion, however, the Major was directed to 
drill the command, as the inspecting oflacer desired to see how efficient 
it was in the tactics. A regimental drill to a new field oflicer is 



181 

embarrassing enough when there is no one present but the officers and 
men of the regiment; to be called upon to do so for the first time, 
under the eye of an inspecting ofiicer, was doubly annoying. 

Major Bosbyshell did not appear the least worried or embarrassed 
in consequence of this demand. He knew the Forty-eighth was a well- 
drilled body of men — he had no fears on that score ; but for the 
moment he was inwardly endeavoring to determine what movements he 
should try. Not a single command came to his mind. A lucky 
thought just then occurred ; he looked at the inspecting ofiicer, saw he 
was young, and at once felt convinced that he was not up in regimental 
drill himself; so, putting on a nonchalant air, said to the inspector: 
" What movement would you like to see done? " This question struck 
home, and with some embarrassed hesitation, the officer replied : 
" Change front." That was the Major's cue. " Change front, forward 
on first company, companies right half wheel," came the command, 
and beautifully it was executed. This over, the Major said pleasantly, 
" What next, sir." Another movement was suggested, again giving the 
cue desired, and it was neatly gone through. This kind of tactics on 
the part of the Major exhausted the inspecting officer's repertoire of 
commands after the third move, relieved the regiment of iurther 
trouble, and the Major from his annoying position. 

Matters remained quiet along the lines so far as any movements of 
magnitude were concerned until the latter part of September, 1864. 
The never ceasing crack of the rifles of the men in the rifle pits, and 
occasional shower of mortar shells, with a flurry of shot and shell now 
and then, served to remind all hands that the war was going on, dan- 
gerously near, and ready for death and destruction upon the slightest 
provocation. An extension of the lines further around the enemy's 
right flank on the thirtieth of September resulted in a hot fight at Pop- 
lar Springs Church. The Fifth Corps felt the force of this engagement 
severely, and the magnificent manner in which they held their lines 
served to tighten the coil about Petersburg more securely. The regi- 
ments of the Ninth Corps joined on the left of the Fifth, the Forty- 
eighth being held in reserve at the commencement of the battle in a 
clearing near the Pegram House. Some of the Massachusetts regiments 
in the front line, having large numbers of Germans in their ranks, 
many of whom had not been in the country over six weeks, and were 
utterly ignorant of the English language, were thrown into great dis- 
order by the savage charge of the rebel regiments. These Germans ran 
pell-mell through the ranks of the supporting regiments. Pleasants 
was greatly enraged at these fleeing soldiers as they dashed blindly to 



182 

the rear, pushing and shoving their way between the ranks of the 
Forty-eighth, and with drawn sword slashed to the right and left 
amongst them with the strength of an athlete, staying the flight 
eflfectually anywhere near his sweeping sabre. Many a sore head and 
stinging rib resulted from the blows well laid on by him. The Forty- 
eighth's line remained intact, but in the forward movement, nearly all 
of the left wing, with Major Bosbyshell, became separated from the 
right wing by a heavy undergrowth of trees and bushes, and a swamp. 
The Major, finding himself and a portion of the regiment on the wrong 
side of the swamp or ditch, and near enough to the advancing rebel 
skirmishers to distinguish their features, ordered the men to retire 
across the swamp as rapidly as possible. This was done without serious 
loss, although the enemy poured volley after volley into them. Just 
])eyond the swamp, the rest of the regiment was found busily engaged 
in throwing ujd entrenchments. 

The reunited regiment soon had a well-defined line of works, which 
was held successfully. The Forty-eighth lost two killed, seven wounded 
and forty-four prisoners — the second time in the entire service of the 
command when any prisoners were captured from it. This engagement 
resulted in the Ninth Corps occupying the works captured from the 
enemy at Peebles' farm. It connected with the Fifth Corps on the 
right, with its left refused, covering the Squirrel Level road. These 
lines were greatly strengthened and permanently held, extending the 
Union lines some three miles beyond the Weldon Railroad. 

Major Bosbyshell, whose presence was necessary at home just at 
this time, failing to secure a leave of absence, took advantage of the 
expiration of his original term of service, and applied to be mustered out. 
This application was granted, and his connection with the regiment 
ceased on the first of October, 1864. Colonel Sigfried was likewise 
mustered out on his own application on the eleventh of October. The 
retirement of these officers promoted Lieutenant-Colonel Pleasants to the 
colonelcy, to which office he was commissioned but not mustered ; Captain 
Gowen, of Company C, became lieutenant-colonel, and Captain Isaac 
F. Brannon, of Company K, major. 

The Union lines were within a mile and a half of the strong posi- 
tion held by the enemy along the Boynton plank road, threatening not 
only that line but the South Side Railroad as well ; which road was not 
over three miles away, and the only railroad left the rebels south of the 
Appomattox, The month of October was occupied in strengthening 
the positions secured — the entrenchments were remodeled and added to, 
rendering them defensible at all points. 



183 

The Forty-eighth took part in the demonstration made on the 
Boynton plank road, on the twenty-seventh of October, moving out of 
the entrenchments early in the morning. Daylight found them rapidly 
pushing along the Squirrel Level road. The movement was intended as 
a surprise to the enemy— it was hoped to capture his videttes, and by a 
rapid march suddenly overwhelm his position on the Boynton road, and 
wrest it from him. The rebel troops, however, were vigilant— the pre- 
mature discharge of a musket in the hands of an advancing skirmisher 
alarmed the outpost and put them on their guard. Strongly constructed 
works were encountered, protected by abatis and slashed timber along 
the entire front. 

A deployment of the Ninth Corps took place, but to attack so 
strongly entrenched a position was deemed unwise, so the advance was 
carried close up to the cleared space, and the work of entrenching 
began. Some hard fighting took j)iace, resulting in losses to both sides 
— flags and prisoners were lost and captured by both. The project was 
abandoned on the twenty-eighth, by the withdrawal of the troops, and 
re-occupation of their former lines. 

In this retrograde movement the Forty-eighth brought up the rear 
continually skirmishing with the enemy, who followed up closely. To 
guard against attack the corps, when within a mile of their encampment, 
formed line of battle in column of divisions, the divisions retiring in 
line, one through the other. 

Another season of quiet fell on the troops of the corps — no change 
taking place until December. Early in that mouth, under orders, the 
Forty-eighth with the Seventh Rhode Island Regiment, and two 
batteries of artillery occupied Fort Sedgwick, located immediately in 
front of Petersburg, right over the Jerusalem plank road, a post so near 
the rebel lines, and so constantly under the heaviest fire, that it was 
called by the soldiers " Fort Hell." The charge of the post was given 
to Colonel Pleasants. At this time the Ninth Corps occupied the right 
line of the army, reaching from the Appomattox to Fort Howard, 
about seven miles in distance. Immediately in front of Fort Sedgwick 
the enemy had two batteries of ten-inch and eight-inch mortars, which 
almost daily opened on the fort, causing the death of several men of the 
regiment, and making life within that enclosure hazardous in the 
extreme. 

At times this shelling was more severe than usual, which was bad 
enough. A particularly lively time was the twenty-ninth of December, 
resulting in the death of Corporal John F. Dentzer, of K, and the 
wounding of five other soldiers of the Forty-eighth. On the second of 



184 

January, 1865, a sixty-four pound mortar shell passed directly through 
the quarters of Corporal William Levison, of Company C, killing him 
instantly, as well as wounding Lieutenant James Clark of the same 
company. 

Colonel Pleasauts not desiring to remain longer in the service was 
mustered out, by reason of expiration of his term of service, on the 
eighteenth of December, 1864. This made Go wen colonel, Brannon 
lieutenant-colonel and Captain Richard M. Jones, of Company G, 
major. • 

Directly opposite Fort Sedgwick on a hill back of their main line 
of entrenchments, was the rebel fort, Mahone, an earthwork which the 
Forty-eighth was destined to wrest from the enemy. The weary winter 
months were spent in garrisoning this dangerous post — a duty requiring 
the utmost vigilance on the part of the men of the regiment. They 
were ever alert, however, and performed all required duties with 
promptness and fidelity. 

"Our soldiers were subjected to constant annoyance from the 
enemy's sharpshooters, and skirmishing took place almost daily. 
Artillery duels were also frequent. The neighborhood of ' Fort Hell ' 
was especially hot, and appeared to be the object of most spiteful attack."* 

So the weary winter months passed amidst daily dangers calculated 
to deter men from continuing the strife. The Forty-eighth was a regi- 
ment of resolute soldiers, however, and this daily dealing with death 
and destruction only nerved them to greater zeal in the discharge 
of the important work assigned the command. As the spring came on 
all felt that decisive action would surely ensue, and all awaited with 
eager anxiety the time to come for such action. The plans for the final 
assault were well laid and the time for carrying out the same close 
at hand, when, unexpectedly, on tlie twenty-fifth of March, 1865, the 
enemy swept over the picket line, stormed and captured Fort Stedman, 
one of the weakest forts on the Union lines. With yells of victory the 
rebels turned to right and left charging the flanks. General Harlranft 
with his new Pennsylvania Division went at the rebels with such im- 
petuosity, that he staid their exulting advance, turned back their 
charging columns, penned them in Fort Stedman, capturing the greater 
part of the assaulting troops, hurling the rest, mere remnants of dis- 
organized commands, into the rebel lines, and re-established the Union 
lines. 

The Forty-eighth stood to their work of holding Fort Sedgwick 
during this daring assault — ready and determined to prevent its capture 

♦ Woodbury's " Burnside and the Ninth Corps," p. 474 



185 

by the enemy. All were proud that Pennsylvanians saved the day. 
Particularly did the Forty-eighth rejoice in the great honor achieved 
by one with whom its fortunes had so often been intertwined, the brave 
and able John F. Hartranft, Major-general by reason of being the 
" Hero of Fort Stedman ! " 

On the twenty-seventh of March orders were issued to the Army 
of the Potomac to be ready to move at a moment's notice. On the 
twenty-ninth the movement began on the extreme left, and on the 
thirtieth, the Ninth Corps holding the lines directly in front of Peters- 
burg, was ordered to assault the enemy's works at 4 o'clock the next 
morning. The exact point of attack was left to the discretion of the 
<!orps commander, Major-General John G. Parke. The position of 
Fort Sedgwick was most commanding, so the most available point to 
make the attempt was from its front. The troops were put in position 
for the contemplated movement, but inasmuch as matters had not 
progressed as far as desirable on the left, the assault was suspended by 
General Meade and the commands resumed their old positions. Orders 
were again issued on the first of April to make the assault the next 
morning, and the troops occupied the position assigned them, the Forty- 
eighth with Fort Mahone the objective point, formed under the walls 
of " Fort Hell." 

Ten o'clock on the night of the first, under a heavy artillery fire, 
the Union skirmishers advanced. The enemy's picket line between 
Forts Hayes and Howard was carried, and some two hundred and fifty 
prisoners were taken. Four o'clock on the morning of the second a 
heavy artillery fire was opened all along the rebel lines. The skirmish- 
ers were pushed forward, and at half-past four the troops formed for the 
attack left their place of formation, and advanced with great alacrity 
and enthusiasm upon the rebel fortifications. Only half rationed, and 
with scalding coffee hastily swallowed, the Forty-eighth moved toward 
the rear of Fort " Hell," through the deep cuts made for the protection 
of wagons in going to and from the front — now filled with a slushy 
mud — and emerging near the Jerusalem Plank Road, crossed to the 
left rear of the Fort. The pioneers were cutting away the abatis in 
front to permit the egress of the troops. The regiment passed through 
the narrow opening, quickly formed line in front, and moved rapidly 
forward to the Union picket line. Resting a moment, the order, for- 
ward, came, and with a savage rush the rebel picket line was reached 
and captured without much of a struggle. Eager to achieve greater 
results away dashed the Forty-eighth in the van of the brigade. Gen- 
eral Curtin and Colonel Gowen at the head, the rebel Fort Mahone's 



186 

guns belching a very " inferno " of shot and shell into the ranks. On, 
on, pushed the boys determined to capture the dire old tormentor who 
had troubled them so the winter long. The attack was most impetuous. 

Whilst Curtin and Goweu were running ahead the abatis impeded 
their progress, so with their own hands they tore it apart trampling it 
under feet, when a cannon shot struck the Forty-eighth's gallant young 
Colonel, carrying away the half of his face, killing him instantly ! So 
fell one greatly beloved — gloriously at the moment of victory, honored 
as few have been, mourned sadly by his men ; indeed all who knew his 
splendid worth and promising future were grieved. 

Grasping the bloody, lifeless form, the mass, for lines were broken, 
ran back to the old rebel picket line, having no one near to lead them. 
General Curtin, apparently unconcerned under the tempest of shot and 
shell poured into the command, stood leaning on bis sword, calling upon 
the gallant Forty-eighth to " rally once more for the honor of the old 
Keystone State." He directed Sergeant William J. Wells, of Company 
F, to have the regimental colors brought to him. This was done. The 
men rallied around their standard, and led by the brave Curtin, with 
the ferocity of mad men renewed the assault, pushed through the ob- 
structing abatis, over the moat, scaled the earthwork, securing a lodg- 
ment on the walls. Along came the Thirty-ninth New Jersey, the 
color bearer gallantly springing right into the midst of the rebels, an 
act of bravery that excited the admiration of all who witnessed it. 
Captain John L. Williams, of Company F, shouted " Forward, boys, 
and save the Jersey colors." With one bound the men sprang forward, 
a hand-to-hand encounter ensued, which lasted but a moment, the rebels 
were overpowered, the fort was captured, and the enemy driven beyond 
it for a considerable distance. Being ordered back, the regiment occu- 
pied the fortification, using the rear of the entrenchments for protection, 
and held the works against repeated and furious assaults of the enemy, 
in attempts to retake it. Lieutenant-Colonel Brannon assumed the 
command, and directed the further movements of the regiment. In 
this successful assault the Forty-eighth lost ten killed, fifty-six wounded 
and twenty-four missing — figures eloquently demonstrating the dangers 
encountered and emphasizing the victory.* 

Petersburg, so long invested, so hotly contested, and so stubbornly 
defended, was entered by the Union troops on the third ; the flag of the 
First Michigan sharpshooters was raised on the court house and the 
occupation was complete. It fell to the lot of the Forty-eighth to 



♦For many of the facts of this assault, the writer is indebted to Sergeant William J. Wells and 
Captain A. C. Huckey. 



187 

guard the trains on their way to Farmville. The journey hither was 
begun on the third. The way showed evidences of the disastrous 
retreat of Lee's forces, foreshadowing the disintegration of the Con- 
federacy. 

Farmville, seventy-nine miles from Petersburg, was reached on the 
eighth of April, and from guarding trains the Forty-eighth was detailed 
to look after the prisoners captured by Sheridan's Troopers. Amongst 
these prisoners were Generals Ewell and Fitz Hugh Lee. This duty 
was soon ended, as the Army of Northern Virginia surrendered to 
General Grant on the ninth of April at Appomattox Court House, and 
the prisoners in charge of the Forty-eighth, being a part of that army> 
were, like the rest, paroled and let go. 

During the stay at Farmville the sad news of the assassination of 
President Lincoln fell like a pall over the rejoicing army, causing 
great sorrow amongst the troops. On the day of Mr. Lincoln's funeral 
in Washington, April 19, the Forty-eighth turned its back on the 
rebellion, and began its journey toward home. Covering about twenty 
miles a day, it marched ioto Petersburg on the twenty-third, and 
reached City Point on the twenty-fourth. Here it remained for three 
days, embarking on transports on the twenty-seventh, steamed down 
the James River, by its old stamping grounds at Newport News and 
Fortress Monroe, up Chesapeake Bay and the Potomac River, reaching 
Alexandria on the twenty-eighth, where it went into camp. This 
became the general rendezvous of the Army of the Potomac, awaiting 
the final overthrow of the rebellion. The monotony of camp life was 
broken on the twenty-second and twenty-third of May, by reason of 
the Grand Review in Washington. With the other veteran regiments 
of the Army of the Potomac, the Forty-eighth took part in the magnifi- 
cent pageant which passed down Pennsylvania avenue on the twenty- 
second of May, a review the like of which will never be seen again. 
To do this the regiment left Alexandria early on the morning of the 
twenty-second, returning again to its camp on the twenty-third. 

The rebellion was ended — the authority of the government again 
established all over the country — the blockade of the Southern ports 
raised on the first of July, hence the disbandment of the army began. 

On the seventeenth of July the Forty-eighth was mustered out of 
service at Alexandria, Va., and the same day, it started for Pennsyl- 
vania, reaching Harrisburg on the eighteenth. The command was 
detained here for four days, the ofiicers perfecting their final reports, and 
properly winding up the affairs of the regiment. Finally, on the 
twenty-second, every detail having been completed, the regiment started 



188 

from Harrisburg for honae. Oh how sweet the word to the brave fellows 
who had been spared through so many and great dangers I Home, 
blessed name, so soon to be realized I How the hearts of the men 
on that train throbbed as each mile carried them nearer and nearer 
to the sacred place! Many could have hugged- the trainmen when 
" Reading " was shouted into the cars ! And then the welcome towns 
of Hamburg, Port Clinton, Auburn and Schuylkill Haven flew by 
— and then every man on his feet ready to spring to the ground as 
Pottsville was reached, where great crowds roared, cheered and cried 
such a hearty welcome, all knew it was home ! 

The following account of the reception is compiled from the 
columns of the Miners' Journal of July 22, 1865 : 

Great preparations had been made by the people of Pottsville 
and vicinity for this home-coming of the regiment. On Monday 
evening, July 17, 1865, a large meeting of the citizens was held at the 
Union Hotel, on Centre street, Pottsville. This meeting was presided 
over by Captain John T. Boyle, an honored ofiicer of the Ninety-sixth, 
while F. B. Wallace, the compiler of the ' Patriotism of Schuylkill 
County,' was secretary. A committee of three. Generals Nagle, Sigfried 
and Major Bosbyshell, was appointed to place the citizens in com- 
munication with the regiment, by means of a committee to proceed 
to Harrisburg to make all necessary arrangements at that point. An 
adjourned meeting of citizens was held the next evening, when Messrs. 
John M. Clayton, L. F. WomelsdorfF, F. B. Kaercher, and William 
Fox, were selected as the committee to meet the regiment at Harris- 
burg. A committee was appointed, consisting of Messrs. Adam Shertle, 
James Focht, Thomas Wren, George Martz, and Thomas Foster, to 
make all necessary arrangements, and the following gentlemen were 
named as the Committee of Reception, to wit : 

Lin Bartholomew, Esq. ; Hon. C. W. Pitman, Judge Charles 
Frailly, Judge Bernard Reilly, J. T. Werner, Jacob Olewine, Lewis 
Reeser, John P. Bertram, James J. Connor, J. Franklin Harris, 
Richard R. Morris, Theodore Garretson, John Drill, James Inness, Henry 
Auman, Burd Patterson, James Silliman, Jere Reed, F. B. Kaercher, 
John M, Clayton, L. F. Womelsdorff, George Bright, Benjamin 
Haywood, William L. Whitney, Nathan Evans, John Shippen, Charle- 
magne Tower, William Mellen, Jr.; William E. Boyer, Lewis C. Thomp- 
son, B. F. Taylor, Marcus Heilner, Henry Gressang, J. G. Cochran, 
Joseph Derr, Frederich Boedefeld, John P. Hobart, William Fox. 

On Thursday morning it was announced that the regiment would 
reach Pottsville in the afternoon at 2 o'clock. The citizens decorated 




(E f 



189 

their houses, and all of the flags in the borough were flung to the 
breeze. About 3 o'clock the special train arrived. A portion of the 
regiment, the men belonging to Port Clinton, Schuylkill Haven, 
Cressona and Minersville, stopped at the stations below. With those 
who arrived on the noon train and those who came in the special, 
there were about one hundred and twenty-five men. Altogether about 
three hundred men returned to the county. Most of the men brought 
their muskets home with them, having purchased them of the govern- 
ment. 

The men were escorted up Centre street, amid the firing of cannon, 
the cheers of the citizens, and the waving of handkerchiefs, and the 
singing of patriotic songs. At the Union Hotel, an address of welcome 
was made by Benjamin Haywood, Esq. It elicited the hearty cheers 
of the war-worn veterans. After Mr. Haywood had concluded, the men 
partook of a collation at the Union Hotel. There was no formality 
about the reception. It was a spontaneous expression of thanks on the 
part of the citizens, and the soldiers appreciated it. In the evening a 
squad under command of Captain J. Frank Werner reached Pottsville, 
and were escorted to the Union, where they partook of a collation. 
They were appropriately welcomed home by Hon. C. W. Pitman. The 
soldiers toasted the citizens of Schuylkill County, and their former 
oflScers, General Nagle, General Sigfried and Colonel Pleasants. These 
gentlemen returned thanks for the honor, and welcomed the brave men 
to their homes. 

The meetings of the wives and children, with their husbands and 
fathers, were in many instances touching, in all joyful. When the men 
reached the corner of Centre and Market, a wife or sweetheart of one 
of the soldiers in the ranks saw him. His eye caught hers at the same 
moment. Impulsively they flew with open arms toward each other, 
and the next moment were locked in a fond embrace. Neither, from 
emotion, could speak ; but tears of joy trickled down their cheeks. It 
was a scene the sacredness of which the publicity could not destroy. 

Such was the home-coming and here this account must close. 

The Forty-eighth, as a regiment now becomes a reminiscence. To 
its credit and renown, be it said, thirty years after, that its members 
have been worthy citizens of the great American nation since laying 
aside the trappings of war. 



CHAPTER XIV. 



SECOND MARYLAND. SIXTH NEW HAMPSHIRE. 

This chronicle of the meanderings of the Forty-eighth would not 
be complete without a word or two of the two regiments, the Second 
Maryland and Sixth New Hampshire, with which its life was so closely 
bound, that the actions of one in the stirring campaigns and battles 
shared, tells also the history of all. 

The naming of these commands calls up Colonel J. Eugene 
Duryee, of the Second Maryland, whose bravery in the charge on the 
bridge at Antietam, won him the rank of brevet brigadier-general, and 
General Simon G. Griffin, of the Sixth New Hampshire, who so 
frequently and ably commanded the brigade and division with which 
the Forty-eighth was connected — they seem part and parcel of the 
latter. Then Captain Malcolm Wilson, killed at Antietam ; Captain 
B. Frank Matthews and his brother Thomas L., Colonel Thomas B. 
Allard, Chaplain R. S. Hitchcock, Captain B. Frank Taylor, Lieu- 
tenant Henry Pennington, who won his shoulder straps for gallantry at 
Pollocksville, N. C, conferred on the field by order of General Burnside, 
and hosts of other fine fellows of the Maryland command. 

The For/,y-eighth'6 connection with the Sixth began on Hatteras 
Island, when tlie Burnside expedition appeared ofi' the coast. It en- 
camped near the Forty-eighth's location — indeed, was the nearest 
regiment to it. Together the regiments participated in a grand review 
of the troops on Hatteras on the thirty-first of January, 1862, ordered by 
General Thomas Williams, commanding the post. With the Second 
Maryland the Forty-eighth became brigaded at Newbernon the twenty- 
third of April, 1862. 

At Newport News, on the fourteenth of July following, the First 
Brigade, Second Division, Ninth Army Corps, consisted of the Second 
Maryland, Sixth New Hampshire and Forty-eighth Pennsylvania — 
from which time, with only short intervals, these three regiments 
remained together during the war. 

Throughout the pages of this book mention is frequently made of 
one or the other of these two commands. The roads traversed, the 
places visited and the battles fought by the Forty -eighth, were traversed, 

(190) 



191 

visited aud fought by the Second and Sixth, so that what is related 
of interest to the first should be of equal interest to the two latter. 

There was individual work done by each of these commands, con- 
spicuously exhibiting the courage of the men comprising them. No 
braver charge of the war is recorded than that of the Second and Sixth 
at Antietam Bridge — mention of which is made on page seventy-nine 
of this work. 

The Forty-eighth, on the bluff immediately over the bridge, wit- 
nessed the daring attack. The withering and murderous fire poured 
into their ranks, at short and easy range, was such that no living person 
could have reached the bridge, going the entire distance over a road so 
exposed to the enemy's fire. The failure to reach it in no way reflects 
upon the commands — the only wonder is that any escaped from the 
seething storm of shot and shell sweeping the eastern bank of the 
stream ! 

It is a pleasure these many years after to call up the memories of 
the days spent with the men from Maryland and those from New 
Hampshire. All hail, companions in war — may the survivors be lasting 
friends to the end of life's journey ! This record of the good old 
Pennsylvania regiment with which you shared the trials and dangers 
of the Civil War delights in according a full measure of praise to your 
worthy deeds, and the men who battled in its ranks hold out their 
hands in warm friendship, thirty years after, to their comrades from 
the shores of the Chesapeake Bay, and the old Granite Hills. 



ROSTER OF OFFICERS. 

James Nagle.— Organized Forty-eighth Pennsylvania in August and Septem- 
ber, 1861, authority being granted by Governor Andrew G. Curtin, on 
August 14, 1861; commissioned Colonel to rank from same date; pro- 
moted to Brigadier-General of Volunteers on recommendation of Major- 
General Reno, to rank from September 10, 1862; resigned May 9, 1863, 
on account of severe suffering from angina pectoris. Colonel Thirty-ninth 
Eegiment Pennsylvania Volunteer Militia, July and August, 1863; Colo- 
nel One Hundred-and-ninety-fourth Eegiment Pennsylvania Volunteers, 
July 24, 1864 to November 6, 1864. 

Joshua K. Sigfeied. —Major, October 1, 1861 ; Lieutenant-Colonel, November 
30, 1861; Colonel, September 20, 1862; Brevet Brigadier-General of Volun- 
teers, August 1, 1864; mustered out, October 11, 1864, expiration of term. 

George W. Gowen. — First-Lieutenant Company C, September 11, 1861; 
Captain, September 28, 1862; Lieutenant-Colonel, December 20, 1864; 
Colonel, March 1, 1865; killed in the assault on Fort Mahone, April 
2, 1865. 

Heney Pleasants. — Captain Company C, September 11, 1861; Lieutenant- 
Colonel, September 20, 1862; Colonel, December, 1864; mustered out 
December 18, 1864, expiration of term ; Brevet Brigadier-General of Volun- 
teers, March 13, 1865; projector and builder of the Petersburg mine. 

Isaac F. Beannon. — First Lieutenant Company K, October 1, 1861; Captain, 
August 30, 1862; Major, December 20, 1864; Lieutenant-Colonel, March 1, 
1865; Colonel, May 11, 1865; mustered out with regiment, July 17, 1865. 

David A. Smith. — Lieutenant-Colonel, August 20, 1861; not mustered; resigned 
November, 1861. First Defender. 

RiCHAED M. Jones. — Sergeant Company G, October 1, 1861 ; First Sergeant, 
May, 1864 ; Second Lieutenant, June 24, 1864 ; First Lieutenant, July 13, 
1864; Captain, September 12, 1864; Major, May 11, 1865; Lieutenant- 
Colonel, June 3, 1865 ; mustered out with regiment, July 17, 1865. 

Daniel Nagle. — Captain Company D, September 23, 1861; Major, November 
30, 1861; resigned July 26, 1862; Lieutenant-Colonel, Nineteenth Pennsyl- 
vania Volunteer Militia, September, 1862; Colonel One Hundred-and- 
seventy-third Pennsylvania Volunteers, November 18, 1862 to August 
17, 1863. 

James Wben. — Captain Company B, September 19, 1861; Major, September 
20, 1862; resigned May 20, 1863. First Defender. 

Joseph A. Gilmoue. — Captain Company H, September 19, 1861; Major, July 
28, 1863; died June 9, 1864, of wounds received in action. May 31, 1864. 
First Defender. 

Olivee C. Bosbyshell. — Second Lieutenant Company G, October 1, 1861; 
First Lieutenant, May 5, 1862; Captain, June 2, 1862; IVLijor, July 23, 
1864; mustered out, October 1, 1864, expiration of term. First Defender. 
13 (193) 



194 

Jacob "Wacjner. — Private Comjxiny H, September 19, 1861; Quartermaster- 
Sergeant, October 4, 1861 ; Quartermaster, December 21, 1862; Major, June 

21, 1865; mustered out with regiment, July 17, 1865. 
John D. Bertolette. — First Lieutenant and Adjutant, October 1, 1861; Cap- 
tain and Assistant Adjutant-General of Volunteers, September 25, 1862. 
Daniel D. McGinnes. — First Sergeant Comi)any H, September 19, 1861; 

First Lieutenant and Adjutant, Septem])er 26, 1862; resigned, March 18, 

1864. 
Charles Loeser, Jr. — Private Company G, October 1, 1861; Sergeant-Major, 

October, 1861 ; Second Lieutenant Company C, September 20, 1862 ; First 

Lieutenant, January 1, 1864; First Lieutenant and Adjutant, June 25, 

1864 ; mustered out, October 1, 1864, expiration of term. 
Henry C. Honsbergek. — Private and Sergeant Company A, September 17, 

1861; Sergeant-Major, September, 1862; First Lieutenant and Adjutant, 

December 17, 1864; mustered out with regiment, July 17, 1865. 
James Ellis. — First Lieutenant and Quartermaster, October 1, 1861; resigned 

December 20, 1862. 
Thomas Bohannon. — Second Lieutenant Company E, October 1, 1861; First 

Lieutenant, September 17, 1862; First Lieutenant and Quartermaster, June 

23, 1865; mustered out with regiment, July 17, 1865. 
David Minis, Jk. — Major and Surgeon, October 1, 1861; died at Roanoke 

Island, N. C, Feliruary 14, 1862. 
Charles T. Eebee. — First Lieutenant and Assistant Surgeon, October 1, 1861; 

Major and Surgeon, February 14, 1862; resigned, February 23, 1863. 
William R. D. Blackwood. — Major and Surgeon, April 28, 1863; mustered 

out vrith regiment, July 17, 1865. 
Israel Bushong. — First Lieutenant and Assistant Surgeon, August 1, 1862; 

resigned, September 29, 1862. 
C. P. Herrington. — First Lieutenant and Assistant Surgeon, September 13, 

1862. Promoted to Surgeon One Hundred-and-thirty-eighth Regiment 

Pennsylvania Volunteers, October 30, 1862. 
Alvah H. Maloney. — First Lieutenant and Assistant Surgeon, October 22, 

1861 ; resigned, December 5, 1862. 
James M. Morrison. — First Lieutenant and Assistant Surgeon, November 29, 

1862; discharged, August 19, 1863. 
John M. Huston. — First Lieutenant and Assistant Surgeon, March 17, 1863; 

resigned, June 25, 1863. 
John B. Culver. — First Lieutenant and Assistant Surgeon, June 1, 1864; 

mustered out with regiment, July 17, 1865. 
Eugene M. Smyser. — First Lieutenant and Assistant Surgeon, April 8, 1864; 

mustered out with regiment, July 17, 1865. 
Rev. Samuel A. Holman. — Captain and Chaplain, October 1, 1861; resigned, 

January 2, 1863. 
Rev. Levi B. Beckley. — Captain and Chaplain, April 11, 1864; mustered out 

with regiment, July 17, 1865. 
Daniel B. Kauffman. — Captain Company A, September 17, 1861; dismissed 

August 1, 1864. 



195 



Heney Boyer. — Second Lieutenant Company A, September 17, 1861; First 

Lieutenant, September 29, 1862; Captain, August 27, 1864; mustered out, 

October 1, 1864, expiration of term. 
Albekt C. Huckey. — Sergeant and First Sergeant Company A, September 17, 

1861; Second Lieutenant, September 3, 1864; Captain, October 30, 1864; 

mustered out witb regiment, July 17, 1865. 
Abiel H. Jackson. — First Lieutenant Company A, September 17, 1861; 

resigned, September 29, 1862. 
Lewis B. Eveland.— First Sergeant Company A, September 17, 1861; Second 

Lieutenant, September 29, 1862; First Lieutenant, August 27, 1864; 

mustered out, October 1, 1864, expiration of term. 
William Taylor. — Sergeant Company A, September 17, 1861; First Sergeant; 

First Lieutenant, October 30, 1864; mustered out with regiment, July 

17, 1865. 
Heney H. Price. — Private Company A, September 17, 1861; Sergeant; 

Second Lieutenant, October 30, 1864; mustered out with regiment, July 

17, 1865. 
Ulysses A. Bast. — First Lieutenant Company B, September 19, 1861; Captain, 

September 20, 1862; mustered out, September 30, 1864, expiration of term. 
Thomas P. Williams. — Corporal Company B, September 19, 1861; First 

Sergeant; First Lieutenant, September 12, 1864; Captain, December 11, 

1864 ; mustered out with regiment, July 17, 1865. 
John L. Wood. — Second Lieutenant Company B, September 19, 1861; First 

Lieutenant, September 20, 1862 ; resigned, December 30, 1862. 
William H. Hume. — First Sergeant Company B, September 19, 1861; Second 

Lieutenant, September 20, 1862; First Lieutenant, September 1, 1863. 

Died, June 30, 1864, of wounds received in action May 31, 1864. 
Thomas Johnson. — Sergeant Company B, September 19, 1861; Second Lieu- 
tenant, September 1, 1863; First Lieutenant, July 24, 1864; discharged 

on surgeon's certificate, August 7, 1864. First Defender. 
John WatkIns. — Private Company B, September 19, 1861; Sergeant; Second 

Lieutenant, May 22, 1865; mustered out with regiment, July 17, 1865. 
William Clark. — Sergeant Company B, September 11, 1861; Second Lieu- 
tenant, November 26, 1862; First Lieutenant, June 26, 1864; Captain, 

March 1, 1865 ; mustered out with regiment, July 17, 1865. 
Thomas J. Fitzsimmons. — Second Lieutenant, September 11, 1861; First 

Lieutenant, September 28, 1862; resigned, November 22, 1862. 
James Clark.— Corporal Company C, September 11, 1861; First Sergeant; 

First Lieutenant, March 1, 1865; mustered out with regiment, July 17, 

1865. 
Henry Weiser.— Private September 11, 1861; Sergeant; Second Lieutenant, 

May 21, 1865; mustered out with regiment, July 17, 1865. 
William W. Potts.— First Lieutenant Company D, September 23, 1861; 

Captain, November 30, 1861; discharged for disability, January 8, 1863. 
Peter Fisher.— Corporal Company D, September 23, 1861; First Lieutenant, 

December 10, 1862; Captain, September 1, 1863; discharged, July 21, 1864. 

First Defender. 



196 

Jacob F. Werxek. — Private ComiMny D, September 23, 18G1; Commissary 
Sergeant Regiment, September 23, 1861; Second Lieutenant Company D, 
September 12, 1864; Captain, November 28, 1864; mustered out with regi- 
ment, July 17, 1865. 

Charles Kleckner. — Second Lieutenant Company D, September 23, 1861; 
First Lieutenant, January 1, 1862; Colonel, One Hundred-and-seventy- 
second Regiment Pennsylvania Vohinteers, December 1, 1862. 

James K. Helms. — Sergeant Company D, September 23, 1861; Second Lieu- 
tenant, December 10, [1862; First Lieutenant, September 1, 1863; com- 
missioned Captain, July 22, 1864, and -not mustered; discharged by S. O., 
October 19, 1864. 

Henry E. Stichter. — Corporal Company D, September 23, 1861; Second 
Lieutenant, September 1, 1863; First Lieutenant, September 22, 1864; 
mustered out, October 6, 1864, expiration of term. 

Henry Rotiienberger. — Private Company D, September 23, 1861; Sergeant; 
First Lieutenant, June 16, 1864; mustered out with regiment, July 17, 1865. 

Alexander H. Fox. — Sergeant Company D, September 23, 1861; Second 
Lieutenant, November 30, 1861 ; died, December 25, 1861. 

Henry P. Owens. — First Sergeant Company D, September 23, 1861; Second 
Lieutenant, February 5, 1862; resigned, November 27, 1862. 

Henry C. Burkhalter. — Private Company D, September 23, 1861; Sergeant; 
Second Lieutenant, May 22, 1865; mustered out with regiment, July 
17, 1865. 

William Winlack. — Captain Company E, October 1, 1861; musteretl out, 
September 30, 1864, expiration of term. 

Charles "W. Schnerr. — Commissary Sergeant of Regiment, September 21, 1861; 
Second Lieutenant Company E, March 16, 1864; Captain, October 30, 1864; 
mustered out with regiment, July 17, 1865. 

William Cullen. — First Lieutenant Company E, October 1, 1861 ; killed at 
Antietam, September 17, 1862. 

Joseph H. Fisher. — First Sergeant Company E, September 21, 1861; Second 
Lieutenant, September 17, 1862; discharged, February 23, 1864. 

James May. — Corporal Company E, September 21, 1861; Sergeant; Second 
Lieutenant, October 30, 1864; mustered out with regiment, July 17, 1865. 

Joseph H. Hoskings. — Captain Company F, October 1, 1861; mustered out, 
September 30, 1864, expiration of term. 

John L. Williams. — Second Lieutenant Company F, October 1, 1861; First 
Lieutenant, July 13, 1864; Captain, October 30, 1864; mustered out with 
regiment, July 17, 1865. 

Henry James. — First Lieutenant, October 1, 1861; discharged on surgeon's 
certificate, June 26, 1864. 

James A. Easton. — Sergeant Company F, October 1, 1861; First Sergeant, 
Second Lieutenant, July 13, 1864; First Lieutenant, November 15, 1864; 
mustered out with regiment, July 17, 1865. 
Henry Reese. — Sergeant Company F, October 1, 1861; Second Lieutenant, 
October 30, 1864; mustered out Avith regiment, July 17, 1865. 



197 

Philip Nagle. — Captain Company G, October 1, 1861; resigned on account of 

disability, June 2, 1862. First Defender. 
William Auman.— Corporal Company G, October 1, 1862; Sergeant; Second 
Lieutenant, July 24, 1864; First Lieutenant, September 12, 1864; Brevet 
Captain, March 3, 1865 ; Captain, June 4, 1865 ; mustered out with regi- 
ment, July 17, 1865. First Defender. 
Cyrus Scheetz.— First Lieutenant, Company G, October 1, 1861; resigned, 
May 3, 1862. Captain, Co. A, One Hundred-and-seventy-tliird Penn- 
sylvania Volunteers, November 13, 1862 to August 17, 1863. First Defender. 
CuETis C. Pollock.— Corporal Company G, October 1, 1861; Second Lieuten- 
ant, May 5, 1862; First Lieutenant, June 2, 1862; died, June 23, 1864, of 
■wounds received June 17, 1864. First Defender. 
William H. Haedell.— Hospital Steward of Kegiment, September 29, 1861; 
Second Lieutenant Company G, September 15, 1864 ; First Lieutenant, 
June 4, 1865; mustered out with regiment, July 17, 1865. First Defender. 
Heney C. Jackson. — First Sergeant Company G, October 1, 1861; Second 
Lieutenant, June 2, 1862; killed at Spottsylvania, Va., May 12, 1864; buried 
in National Cemetery, Fredericksburg, Va. 
Geoege Faene. — Corporal Company G, October 1, 1861; Sergeant Major of 
Regiment, December 22, 1864; Second Lieutenant Company G, June 11, 
1865; mustered out with regiment, July 17, 1865. 
William J. Hinkle. — First Lieutenant Company H, Septemljer 19, 1861; 
■ Captain, August 28, 1863; commissioned Major, January 2, 1865; not 
mustered; mustered out, March 11, 1865, expiration of term. 
Alba C. Thompson. — Corporal Company H, September 19, 1861 ; Sergeant and 
First Sergeant; Second Lieutenant, September 12, 1864; First Lieutenant, 
October 30, 1864; Captain, March 3, 1865; mustered out with regiment, 
July 17, 1865. First Defender. 
Alexander S. Bo wen. — Sergeant Company H, September 19, 1861; Second 
Lieutenant, October 11, 1861; First Lieutenant, August 28, 1863; mustered 
out, September 30, 1864, expiration of term. First Defender. 
Thomas H. Silly'M an.— Private Company H, September 19, 1861; Sergeant; 
Second Lieutenant, October 30, 1864; First Lieutenant, March 3, 1865; 
Brevet Captain, April 2, 1865; mustered out with regiment, July 17, 1865. 
Edwaed C. Baied. — Second Lieutenant Company H, September 19, 1861; 
promoted Captain and Assistant Adjutant-General United States Volun- 
teers, September 19, 1861. 
€haeles H. Millee. — Sergeant Company C, September 11, 1862; Second 
Lieutenant Company H, January 16, 1862; resigned. May 7, 1862; re- 
enlisted in Sixteenth Pennsylvania Cavalry, September 9, 1862; Ser- 
geant I Company; Sergeant-Ma j or, November 20, 1862; Lieutenant and 
Adjutant, April 30, 1863; Captain and Assistant Adjutant-General Volun- 
teers, May 1, 1864; mustered out, September 19, 1865; Brevet Major, 
March 31, 1865, ' ' for long, faithful and meritorious conduct during the war. " 
Samuel B. Laubenstein.— Corporal Company H, September 19, 1861 : Ser- 
geant; Second Lieutenant, September 1, 1863; killed near Shady Grove, 
Va., May 31, 1864. 



198 

David B. Eeowx. — Corporal Coinpany H, September 19, 1861; Sergeant; 
Sergeant-Major, September, 1862; Second Lieutenant Company H, June 
21, 1864; killed front of Petersburg, Va., August 5, 1864. First Defender. 

John R. Portek. — Captain Company I, August 23, 1861; resigned, Decem- 
ber 30, 1862. 

Benjamin B. Schuck. — First Sergeant Company I, August 23, 1861; Second 
Lieutenant, August 12, 1862; Captain, August 28, 1863; died, July 27, 
1864, of Avounds received inaction, June 25, 1864. 

Francis D. Koch. — Sergeant Company I, August 23, 1861; First Sergeant; 
Second Lieutenant, March 16, 1864; Captain, September 12, 1864; mustered 
out with regiment, July 17, 1865. 

George H. Gressang. — First Lieutenant August 23, 1861 ; drowned by the 
sinking of the "West Point," mouth of Potomac River, August 12, 1862. 
First Defender. 

Michael M. Kistler. — Second Lieutenant, Company I, August 23, 1861; 
First Lieutenant, October 20, 1862; transferred to Veteran Reserve Corps, 
October 21, 1863. 

Joseph Edwards. — Corporal Company I, August 23, 1861 ; Second Lieutenant, 
September 1, 1863; First Lieutenant, March 16, 1864; died July 2, 1864, 
of wounds received in action, June 17, 1864. 

Oliver A. J. Davis. — Corporal Comi)any I, August 23, 1861; Sergeant; First 
Sergeant; First Lieutenant, September 12, 1864; mustered out with regi- 
ment, July 17, 1865. 

Francis Allebach. — Private Company I, August 23, 1861; Corporal; Sergeant; 
Second Lieutenant, October 30, 1864; Brevet First Lieutenant, April 2, 
1865; mustered out mth regiment, July 17, 1865. 

Henry A. M. Filbert. — Captain Company K, October 1, 1861; killed at 
Second Bull Run, Va., August 29, 1862. 

Francis A. Stitzer. — First Sergeant Company K, October 1, 1861; Second 
Lieutenant, August 29, 1862; Captain, November 28, 1864; Brevet Major, 
April 2, 1865; mustered out with regiment, July 17, 1865. First Defender. 

Jacob Douty. — Second Lieutenant, Company K, October 1, 1861; First Lieu- 
tenant, August 29, 1862; mustered out, September 30, 1864, expiration of 
term. 

Thomas Irwin. — Sergeant Company K, October 1, 1861; First Sergeant; 
Second Lieutenant, October 4, 1864; First Lieutenant, December 1, 1864; 
mustered out with regiment, July 17, 1865. First Defender. 

John C. Hinchcliff. — Sergeant Company K, October 1, 1861 ; Second Lieu- 
tenant, December 4, 1864; mustered out with regiment, July 17, 1865. 



INDEX. 



A, Company, i8, 38, 61, 97, 106. 

Acquia Creek, 56, 102. 

Alexandria, 70, 71, 147. ^^7- 

" Alice Price," 44, 50. 

Allard, Colonel Thomas B., 127, 190. 

Allebach, Lieutenant Francis, 198. 

Alsops, 149. 

Altoona, 104. 

Amissville, 91. 

Anderson House, 151. 

Annapolis, 145, 146- 

Anthony, Major Joseph, 95. 

Antietam, 78, 191. 

Antietam Iron Works, 83. 

Appomattox Court House, 187. 

Army balloons, 83. 

Army of the Potomac, 52, 55, 73. ^02, 

185, 187. 
Atkinson, William P., 109. 
Auman, Henry, 188. 
Auman, Captain William, 197. 

B, Company, 18, 22, 38, 42, 45, 59, 61, 

75, 79, 106, 114, 157- „ ^ 
Baird, Captain Edward C, 18, 63, 197. 
Band mustered out, 60. 
Baltimore, 104. 
Barbara Fritchie, 74. 
Barboursville, 119. 
Barlow's Division, 156. 
Barnard, General, United States Army, 

167, 176, 177- 
Barnes, O. W., 164, 
Bartholomew, Linn, 1 88. 
Bast, Captain Ulysses A., 18, 99, 145, 

195. 
Bathing order, 48. 
Bealton Station, 59, 92. 
Beans' Station, 121. 
Beatty, Surgeon Joseph, 117, 130. 
Beaver Creek, 122. 
Beckley, Chaplain Levi B., 194- 
Benjamin, Lieutenant, United States 

Army, 135. 
Bennett, Captain, 41. 
Bertolette, Captain John D., 18, 43. ^7. 

87, 194- 
Bertram, John P., 188. 
Bethel Church, 151. 
Bethesda Church, 153. 



Big Rock, Castle River, 118. 

Birney's Division, 155. 

Blackwood, Surgeon W. R. D., 106, 

144, 194- 
Blain's Cross Roads, 137, 138. 
Blake, Lieutenant Clarence H., 57,67. 
Bliss, Colonel Z. R., 146. 
Bloomfield, 88. 
Boedefeld, Frederick, 188. 
Blue Springs, 125, 126. 
Bohannon, Lieutenant Thomas,] 18, 48, 

99. 197- 
Bohannon, Mrs. Thomas, 143. 

Bolivar Heights, 86. 

Bosbyshell, Major O. C, 18, 38, 99, 

105, 107, III, 117. 139, 141. '45? 

178, 179, 180, 181, 182, 18S, 193. 
Boshen, 155. 
Bowen, Captain Alexander S., 18, 45, 

99. 197- 
Bowen, Joseph W., 87. 
Boyer, Captain Henry, 18, 99, II7> 

137. 140, 195- 
Boyer, William E., 188. 
Boyle, Captain John T., 188. 
Boynton Plank Road, 182, 183. 
Brannon, Colonel Isaac F., 18, 99, MS? 

182, 184, 186, 193- 
Breckeniidge.Rev. Robert J.,D D., 108. 
Brown, Lieutenant David B., 144, 178, 

179, 19S. 
Brown, Patrick M., 141. 
Brownlow, Parson, 123. 
Bright, George, 188. 
Bristoe's Station, 147. 
Buford, General, 62. 
Bull Run, Second, 65. 
Bull's Gap, 124, 125. 
Burial party, 1 00, 151. 
Burkhalter, Lieutenant Henry C, 196. 
Burnside, General A. E., 38, 39, 40, 
41, 44, 47, 48, 72, 73. 77. 78, 83, 84, 
85, 89, 90, 91, 92. 94. 99. loi. '02, 
105, 107, 121, 122, 125, 126, 127, 
129, 130, 132, 13s. 136, 146, 147. 
160, 162, 163, 165, 166, 172, 173. 

175. 178, 190- ^ ^ , 

Bushong, Assistant Surgeon Israel, 

194. 
Butler, General B. F., 23. 



(199) 



200 



C, Company, iS, 3S. 45, 61, 106, 150. 

Caddy's Junction, 104. 

Campbell, James H., 143. 

Campbell's Station, 131, 132. 

Camp Curtin, 17-19. 

Camp Dick Robinson, llS. 

Camp Hamilton, 1 9. 

Camp Lynn P. O., 141. 

Camp Nagle, 45. 

Camp Nelson, 117, 141. 

Camp Winfield, 3S. 

Cape Hattei-as, 34. 

Carter, Colonel, 124. 

Catletts' Station, 64. 

Cedar Mountain, 60. 

Centreville, 69. 

Chadwick, Jim., 32, 22- 

Chancellorsville, 149. 

Chantilly, 69, 70. 

Chickahominy, 156. 

Christ, Surgeon Theodore S., 152. 

Cincinnati, 104. 

City Point, 160, iSo, 1S7. 

Clark, Lieutenant James, 1S4, Igj. 

Clark, Captain William, 195. 

Clark, Lieutenant-Colonel W. S., 70, 

9S. 
Clay, Brustus, Jr., 112. 
Clayton, John M., iSS. 
Clinch Mountain, 121. 
Clinch River, 120, 121, 137, 141. 
Cochran, J. G., iSS. 
Coffin, Charles Carleton, 7S, So. 159. 
Coho, M. V. B., 71. 
Cold Harbor, 153, 156. 
Colored troops, 146, 147, 156. 
Colors, iS, 142. 
Columbus, 104. 
Colyer, Uncle Charlie, 119. 
Committee, Conduct of War, 173. 
Company officers, iS. 
Completing; circuit, 92. 
Condon, Michael, S8. 
Congratulatorj- order, 172. 
Connor, James J., iSS. 
Contrabands, 46, 55. 
Cooper, Captain James, 129. 
Corduroy bed, 129. 
" Cossack," 41, 49, 50, 52, 55. 
Crab Orchard, iiS. 
Cram, Colonel T. J., L'nited States 

Army, 20. 
Crater, Size of, 170. 
Cressona, 189. 
Crosland, Lew, 59. 
"C. S. A.," 77. 

Cullen, Lieutenant William. iS, Si, 196. 
Culpeper Court House, 59. 
Culver. Assistant Surgeon fohn B , 144, 

194. 



Cumberland Ford, 120. 
Cumberland Gap, i2o, 130, 141. 
Cumberland Mountain, 120. 
Cumberland River, 119, 120. 
Curtin, Governor Andrew G., 17, 19, 

126, 178. 
Curtin, General John L, 150, 151, 153, 

154, 159. 160,' 161, 185, 186. 
Cutter, Surgeon, 136. 

D, Company, 18, 38, 45, 56, 61, 106. 
Davis, Lieutenant Oliver A. J., 19S. 
Declaration against Confederate Govern- 
ment, 27. 

DeKay, Drake, 20. 

Dengler, George M., 53. 

Dentzer, John F., 1S3. 

Derr, Joseph, 60, 188. 

Devine of " F,'' 37. 

Dicks' River, ilS. 

Diehl, Philip, 26. 

Dix, General John A., 102, 103. 

Donne, Daniel, 159. 

Doutv, Jacob, iS, 70. Si, 99, 105, 170, 

iSo, "198. 
Downer's Bridge, 151. 
Drill, John, iSS. 
Duane, ^L^jor J. C, United States Army, 

166, 173. 
Dunn House, 159. 
Durell's Batten.-, 75, 92, 93. 
Dursee, General J. Eugene, 190. 

E, Company, 18, 20, ^S, 46, 49, 61, 
79. 106, 153. 154. 

Easton, Lieutenant James A., 190. 

East Tennessee, 107, 117. 

Edwards, Captain, Secret Ser\-ice, 112, 

114. 
Edwards, Lieutenant Joseph, 73, 159, 

198. 
Eighth Corporal of " G," 30, 
Eighteenth May, 1S64, 150. 
Eighteenth Michigan, 105. 
Eighteenth South Carolina, 171, 175. 
Election Day in Lexington. 112. 
Eleventh ^L^ssachusetts Battery. 151. 
Eleventh New Hampshire, q8, 117, 

119. 
Eleventh Pennsylvania Cavalry, 53. 
Elliott Salient, 171. 
Ellis. Quartermaster James, 18, 3S, 50, 

194.'' 
Enfield Rifles, 45, 103. 
Engine, 4S ; Destruction of, 12S. 
Epitaph, 26. 
Evans, Clem, So. 
Evans, Nathan, l8S. 
Eveland, Lieutenant Lewis B., 99, 195. 
Ewell, General, 154, 1S7. 



201 



F, Company, i8, 20, 38, 46, 61, 106, 

15s, 158, 186. 
Fairfax Court House, 147. 
Fairfax Station, 71. 
Falmouth, 56, 93. 
Farquhar, Captain Frank U., United 

States Army, 165. 
Farmville, 187. 

Fame, Lieutenant George, 197. 
Featherstone, Mr., 113, 114. 
Ferrero, General Edward, 90, 105, 127. 
Field officers, i8. 

Fell, Major, United States Army, 119. 
Fifth Army Corps, 162, 179, 181, 182. 
Fifth Pennsylvania Reserves, 63. 
Fiftieth Pennsylvania, 53. 
Fifty-first New York, 79, 80, 98. 
Fifty-first Pennsylvania, 39, 46, 79, 80, 

81, 82, 84, 93, 98. 
Fifty-eighth Massachusetts, 146, 159. 
Fifty-sixth Pennsylvania, 56, 57. 
Filbert, Captain Henry A. M., 17, 18, 

57. 198. 
Final assault and muster out, 178. 
First Defenders, 18, 46. 
First Georgia, 128. 
First Michigan Sharpshooters, 186, 
First shell, 63. 
First Tennessee, 107. 
Fisher, Lieutenant Joseph H., 99, 105, 

145, 196. 
Fisher, Lieutenant Peter, 195. 
Fitzsimmons, Lieutenant Thomas J., 18, 

45. 195. 

Flags captured, 1 58. 

Focht, James, 188. 

P'ort Clarke, 22, 23, 28. 

Fort Hatteras, 22, 23, 28. 

Fort Hayes, 1S5. 

Fort " Hell," 183, 185. 

Fort Howard, 183, 185. 

Fort Mahone, 184, 185. 

Fort Sanders, 133, 135. 

Fort Sedgwick, 183, 184, 185. 

Fort Stedman, 184, 185. 

Fort Totten, 45. 

Forty-fifth Pennsylvania, 146, 159, 179. 

Forty-fourth Tennessee, 158. 

Fortress Monroe, 19, 21, 52, 55, I02, 

103, 104. 
Foster, Colonel, 125. 
Foster, General John G., 40, 41, 42, 44, 

46, 47. 

Foster, Thomas, 188. 

Fourteenth Brooklyn, 68. 

Fourth Division, Ninth Army Corps 

Charge, 174, 180. 
Fourth of July, 50, iii. 
Fourth Rhode Island, 40, 41, 93, 146, 

179. 



Fourth United States Artillery, 83, 84. 

Fox, Lieutenant Alexander H., 196. 

Fox's Pass, 75, 77. 

Fox, William, 188. 

Frailly, Charles, 1 88. 

Frederick City, 74. 

Fredericksburg, 56, 57, 58, 61, 93, 94, 

96, 97, 98, 99, 100. 
French, General, 99. 
Frick, Colonel Jacob G., 95. 

G, Company, 18, 20, 26, 33, 38, 46, 

49. 59. 61, 64, 79, 82, 88, 92, 106, 

155. 157. 15S, 159- 
Galloway, 39. 
Garretson, Theodore, 188. 
" George Peabody," 38, 39, 42, 45. 
" Georgia," 19. 
Germania Ford, 148. 
Gibson House, 105. 
" Gilbert Green," 55. 
Gilmore, General Q. A., 106. 
Gilmour, Major Joseph A., 17, 18, 43, 

53, 61, 66, 88, 97, 99, 107, III, 114, 

140, 144, 152, 153, 193. 
Glen Mills, 91. 

General Order, No. 38, 1 08, 109. 
Goodloe, W. C, 116. 
Goss, Charles, 139. 
Gowen, Colonel George W., 18, 46, 73, 

99, 145, 165, 182, 184, 185, 186, 

193- 
Grand ball, no. 
Grand review, 187. 
Granger, George, 136. 
Grant, General U. S., 82, 1 26, 137, 

187. 
Graveyard, 25, 26. 
Green, Adjutant David B., 3, 71. 
Greenville, 125, 126, 130. 
Greer, Sergeant, 175. 
Gressang, Lieutenant George H., 18, 

198. 
Gressang, Henry, 188. 
Griffin, General Simon G., 119, 1 21, 

122, X27, 129, 160, 190. 

H, Company, 18, 38, 61, 92, 106, 114, 

179. 
Haeseler, Dr. Charles H., 52. 
Haines' House, 149. 
Hampton Roads, 20, 21, 50, 52. 
Hancock, General W. S., 99, 148, 152. 
Hanging murderer, 112. 
Hanovertown, 152. 
Harden, Lieutenant Wm. H., 18, 45, 

145. 197- 
Harper's Ferry, 83, 86. 
Harris, J. Franklin, 188. 
Harrisburg, 17, 105, 142, 145, 187, 188. 



202 



Harris' Shop, 152. 

Hartranft, General John F., 46, 79, 81, 

127, 129, 132, 133, 146, 184, 185. 
Hartsuff, General, no, 112, 114. 
Hartz, Captain Wils T., United States 

Army, 64. 
Hawkin's Zouaves, 80, 
Hatteras, 22. 
Hatteras Inlet, 21, 50. 
Haymarket, 64. 
Haywood, Benjamin, 188, 189. 
Hazzard, Charles H., 130. 
Helms, Captain James K., 196. 
Heilner, Marcus, 188, 
Hendley, Adam, 74. 
" Henry W. Johnson," 39. 
Herrington, Assistant Surgeon C. P., 

194. 
Hetherington, Jim, 57. 
Hester, Aunt, 24. 
" Highland Light," 49, 50. 
Hill, Lieutenant Williard, 175, 176. 
Hinchcliff, Lieutenant John C, 198. 
Hinkle, Major William J., 18, 47, 67, 

145, 197- 
Hitchcock, Lieutenant Henry S., 117, 

125, 140. 
Hitchcock, Chaplain R. S., 190, 
Hobart, John P., 188, 
Hobson, General, no, iii. 
Hodgson, Frank, 59. 
Holman, Chaplain Samuel A., 18, 20, 

85, 91. 194- 
Holston River, 121, 122, 123, 127, 126, 

131, 136, 137- 
Home, 142, 188. 

Honsberger, Adjutant Henry C, 194. 
Hoopskirts, 27. 
Hoskings,Captain Joseph H., 17, 18, 99, 

145, 161, 196. 
•' Hotel d'Afrique," 39. 
Howard, General O. O., 99, 136. 
Howell, Johnny, 72. 
Huckey, Captain A. C, 1S6, 195. 
Hulburd, Captain Edward, 105, 106, 

107. 
Hume, Lieutenant William H., 99, 153, 

195- 
Humphrey, General, 99. 
Huston, Assistant Surgeon John M., 

106, 194. 

I, Company, 18, 38, 61, 106. 
Inness, James, 188. 
Inspection, 180. 
Irwin, Lieutenant Thomas, 198. 

Jackson, Lieutenant Abiel H., 18, 195. 
Jackson, Lieutenant Henry C, 31, 32, 
35. 97. 99, 100, 106, 150, 197. 



Jackson, General T. J., 61, 64. 
James, Lieutenant Henry, 18, 99, 196. 
James River, 156, 187. 
Jerusalem Plank Road, 183, 185. 
" John A. Warner," 103, 104. 
Johnson, John, 63. 
Johnson's President, Home, 125. 
Johnson, Lieutenant Thomas, 195. 
Johnson, Stafford, 20. 
Jones, Lieutenant-Colonel Richard M., 
34, 184, 193. 

K, Company, 18, 20, 33, 38, 46, 49, 61, 

79, 106. 
Kaercher, Francis B., 60, 188. 
Kaufftnan, Captain Daniel B., 17, 18, 

30, 45, 47, 145, 197. 
Kearney, General Phil, 64, 66, 70. 
Kelly's Ford, 61, 62, 63. 
Kentucky Loyalist, 109. 
Kentucky River, 118. 
Keys, Quartermaster Sam, I02,"i29. 
Kistler, Lieutenant Michael M., 18, 

198. 
Kleckner, Colonel Charles, 18, 48, 53, 

196. 
Knoxville, 122, 123, 126, 127, 131, 132, 

m^ 134- 

Lacy House, 93, 94, 95. 

Lancaster, Ky., 118. 

Laubenstein, Lieutenant Samuel B., 153, 

197. 
Ledlie, General, 171. 
Lee, General Fitz Hugh, 187. 
Lee, General Robert E., 82, 83, 178. 
Lenoir, 128, 129, 130, 131. 
Levison, Corporal William, 184. 
Lexington, 104, 140. 
Lick Creek, 124. 
Lightning's work, 62. 
Lighthouse, Hatteras, 34. 
Lincoln, President, 60, 84, 133, 137, 

147, 187. 
Lippman, Isaac, 20,31, 37, 93, 102, 121, 

130, 131, 136. 
Little Rockcastle River, 119. 
Living on country, 59, 60. 
Loeser, Adjutant Charles, Jr., 18, 53, 

99, 194- 
Log huts, 93, 94. 
Log Mountains, 120. 
London, 1 19, 120. 
Longstreet, General James, 61, 127, 131, 

132, 135, 136, 154- 
Loudon, 127, 128, 131, 
Loudon Heights, 86. 
Lovettsville, 87. 
Loyalty, 107, 109. 



203 



Macalester, Mrs. Eliza, no, in. 
Maloney, Assistant Surgeon Alvah H., 

194. 
Manasses Junction, 64. 
Mansfield, General, 19, 20. 
Martz, George, 188. 
Maryland Heights, 86. 
Matthews, Captain B. Frank, 190. 
Matthews, Adjutant Thomas L., 190. 
May, Lieutenant James, 196. 
McCabe, Captain W. Gordon, 171. 
McClellan, General George B., 50, 55, 

70, 71,82, 84, 85, 89, 90. 
McDowell, General Irwin, 60, 61, 68. 
McGinnes, Adjutant Daniel D., 87, 95, 

99, 125, 130, 144, 194. 
Mcllvaine, Lieutenant, 92. 
McKibben, General, 128, 149, 150, 164. 
McMillans', 122. 
Meade, General George G., 63, 165, 

172, 173. 185. 
Meagher, General Thomas F., 96. 
Mellen, William, Jr., 188. 
Methodist Meeting House, 25. 
Middletown, 74, 75. 
Miesse, Miss, 143. 
Mifflin, 104. 
Mighels, Captain, 1 61. 
Miller, Major Charles H., 197, 
Mine, 163. 
Mine, charge in, 169. 
Mine, firing, 170. 
Mine, Grant's, opinion, 174, 175. 
Mine, not a failure, 171. 
Mine, Pleasant's opinion, 172. 
Minersville, 189. 

Minis, Surgeon David, Jr., 18, 194. 
Molasses boiling party, 32. 
Monaghan, Patrick, 158. 
Morgan, John, ill. 
Morns, Richard R., 1 88. 
Morrison, Assistant Surgeon James M., 

106, 112, 194. 
Morristown, 121, 123,124, 126, 
Mossy Creek, 121, 124. 
Mt. Carmel Church, 152. 
Mt. Vernon, 118. 
Mud March, loi, 102. 
Muscle vs. Steam, 49. 

Nagle, Abraham, 18. 

Nagle, Colonel Daniel, 17, 18, 38, 193. 

Nagle, General James, 17, 18, 19, 20, -^y 
43, 45, 46, 48, 50, 53, 67, 73, 83, ^S, 
91. 93. 97, loi, 104, 105, no, 142, 
144, 188, 189, 193. 

Nagle, Captain Philip, 17, 1 8, 29, 197. 

Neis, James C, 97. 

Newark, 104. 

Newbem, 37, 38, 39, 43, 50, 190. 



Newport News, 52, 102, 190. 

Neuse River, 39, 42. 

Nicholasville, 117. 

Night march, 61. 

Niles, Lieutenant, 57. 

Ninety-fifth New York, 56. 

Ninety-sixth Pennsylvania, 52, 69, 83, 

loi, 188. 
Ninth Army Corps, 99, loi, 102, 104, 

107, ^zz, 139, 146, 147, 149, 151. 

156, 160, 161, 162, 164, 181, 182, 

183, 185, 190. 
Ninth New Hampshire, 81, 98. 
Ninth New Jersey, 44, 46. 
Ninth New York, 80. 
Non-Commissioned Staff, 18. 
" North America," 102. 
North Anna River, 151, 152, 
Ny River, 149. 

Officers' mess, 73. 

Olewine, Jacob, 188. 

One Hundred and Third New York, 
46, 47. 

One Hundi-edth Pennsylvania, 53, 70. 

One Hundred and Twenty-ninth Penn- 
sylvania, 71, 83, 95, 101. 

Orange and Alexandria Railroad, 92. 

Organization, 17. 

Owens, Lieutenant Henry P., 196. 

Oxford, 151. 

Pamlico Sound, 39, 50. 

Pamunkey River, 152. 

Panther Springs, 121, 

Pardee, Major, 59. 

Parke, General John G., 40, 41, 46, 104, 
117, 122, 185. 

Parker's Store, 148. 

Patterson, Burd, 188. 

Patterson, William S., 71. 

Peebles Farm, 182. 

Pegram House, 181. 

Pegram's Petersburg Battery, 171. 

Pennington, Major Henry, 117, 1 22, 
130, 190. 

Petersburg, 156, 157, 181, 186, 187. 

Philadelphia, 145. 

Phillips' House, 94, 99. 

Phoenix Hotel, 105. 

Piedmont, 89. 

Pierson, Lieutenant-Colonel, 152. 

Pitman, C. W., 188, 189. 

Pitman's, 117, 119. 

Pittsburg, 104, 105. 

Pleasants, General Henry, 17, 18, 45, 
87, 95, 96, 98, 99, 100, 106, III, 114, 
14X, 144, 147, 150, 152, 155, 157, 
158, 159, 161, 162, 164, 165, 166, 



204 



i67, i68, 169, 170, 171, 172, 173, 
174, 176, 177, 179. i8i, 183, 184, 
189, 193. 

Pleasant Valley, 85, 86, 87. 

Pollock, Lieutenant C. C, 70, 99, 130, 

159. 197- 
Pontoon bridge, 94, 95. 
Pope's Army, 58, 61. 
Pope, General John G., 60, 61, 62, 64, 

65, 68, 70, 71. 
Poplar Spring Church, 181. 
Po River, 151. 
Port Clinton, 189. 
Porter, General Fitz John, 71. 
Porter, Captain John R., 17, 18, 99, 1 98, 
Pott, " Doc," 59. 
Potter, General Robert B., 127, 129, 

130, 141, 146, 148, 149, 151, 152, 

153, 154, 156, 159. 160, 161, 162, 

164, 165, 172. 
Pott, Frank, 60. 
Potts, Captain William W., 18, 4^, 45, 

195- 
Poltsville, 142, 188. 
Price, Lieutenant Henry H., 195. 
Prince, Sergeant, 82. 
Pringle, Old, 53. 
Prisoners, 112. 
Prisoners returned, 85. 
PurceUville, 88. 



Rank determined, 55. 
Rapidan, 60. 
Rapidan River, 148. 
Rappahannock River, 56, 58, 62. 
Rappahannock Station, 62. 
Rebel sword, 80. 

Reber, Surgeon Charles T., 18, 45, 194. 
Reed, Jere, 188. 
Reedy, Private Daniel E., 154. 
Reese, Lieutenant Henry, 170, 196. 
Reeser, Lewis, i88. 
Reilly, Bernard, 188. 
Reid, Robert A., 158, 159. 
Reno, Captain, 90. 

Reno, General Jesse L., 40, 41, 44, 45, 
46, 47, 50. 55. 60, 62, 65, 72, 73, 75. 
Review on Hatteras, 30, 190. 
Rheatown, 125. 
Roanoke Island, 37, 39. 
Rolhenberger, Lieutenant Henry, 196. 
Rosecrans, General, 126. 
Rossiter, Pres., 57. 
Roster of officers, 193. 
Rowan, Commodore, 44. 
Rutledge, 137. 

Schackelford, General, 125. 

Scheetz, Captain Cyrus, 18, 29,34, 197. 



Schnerr, Captain Charles W., 125, 144, 

196. 
Schuck, Captain B. B., 99, 130, 145, 

162, 198. 
Schuylkill Haven, 189. 
Second Corps, 96, 151, 152, 153, 155, 

156, 162. 
Second Maryland, 46, 47, 65, 67, 77, 

79, 80, 102, 117, 124, 125, 126, 129, 

130, 131, 179, 190, 191. 

Second New York Mounted Rifles, 159, 

179. 
Secret Mails, 108. 
Secret Service, 112. 
Seventeenth June, 1864, 157, 158, 159, 

161. 
Seventeenth Mississippi, 135. 
Seventeenth Vermont, 149, 150. 
Seventh Michigan, 95. 
Seventh New York Heavy Artillery, 158. 
Seventh Rhode Island, 98, II4, 146, 

149, 183. 
Seventy-second New York Highlanders, 

53- 

Seward, Sergeant, 81. 

Shady Grove Church, 153, 154. 

Shand House, 159, 160. 

Sheafer, Mattis, 56. 

Sherman, General, 136. 

Shertle, Adam, 188. 

Shippen, John, 188. 

Sickels, General Daniel E., 64. 

Sigfried, General Joshua K.. 18,43, 45> 
48, 61, 66, 67, 73, 81, £7, 88, 94, 
loi, 104, 105, 106, 107, 114, 115, 
116, 117, 118, 122, 124, 126, 129, 

131, 132, 134, 138, 140, 141, 143, 
144, 147, 163, 174, 17S, 182, 188, 
189, 193. 

Silliman, E. H., 85, 107. 

Silliman, Captain James, 59. 

Silliman, James, 188. 

Sillyman, Thomas H., 197. 

Sillyman, Mrs. Samuel, 142. 

Sixteenth Georgia, 135. 

Sixth Corps, 149, 151. 

Sixth New Hampshire, 59, 65, 66, 67, 

79,80, 98,102, 104,117, 154,190, 191 
Sixty-fifth Illinois, 109. 
Smith, Lieutenant-Colonel David A., 

18, 193. 
Smith, Robert, 77, 88. 
Smith's Mills, 151. 

Smyser, Assistant Surgeon Eugene, 194. 
Snow, 89, 93. 

South Mountain, 75, 77, 85. 
Southern hatred, 100. 
South Side Railroad, 182. 
Special muster, 60. 
Spotswood Tavern, 148, 149. 



205 



Spottsylvania Court House, 149, 151. 

Springfield Rifles, 103. 

Squirrel Level Road, 182, 1 83, 

"S. R. Spaulding," 21. 

Staff officers, 18, 

Stannard's Mills, 151. 

Stevensburg, 61. 

Stevens, General Isaac I., 62, 70. 

Stichter, Lieutenant Henry E., 196. 

Stitzer, Captain Frank A., 99, 198. 

Stone, Lieutenant, 1 1 2, 114. 

Stowe, Caleb, 31. 

Strawberry Plains, 122, 1 24. 

Stringham, Admiral S. H., 23. 

Strothers, General, 65, 68. 

Stuart's Cavalry, 91. 

Sturgis, General Samuel G., 73, 76, 91, 

104. 
Summit, 89. 

Sumner, General E. V., 95, 99, loi. 
"Swash," 22,38, 39, 50. 

Taylor, Benjamin F., 140, 188. 
Taylor, Captain B. Frank, 190. 
Taylor, Rev. Marble Nash, 27. 
Taylor, Lieutenant William, 1 95. 
Tazewell, 120, 121. 
Testimonial, Lexington, 115. 
Thanksgiving Day, 133. 
Thirteenth Georgia, 150. 
Thirteenth Mississippi, 135. 
Thirty-fifth Massachusetts, 98. 
Thirty-ninth New Jersey, 186. 
Thirty-sixth Massachusetts, 146, 159, 

175- 
Thomas, General, 126, 138. 
Thompson, Captain Alba C, 1 97. 
Thompson, Lewis C, 188. 
Tolopotomy, 152. 
Tolston, Benjamin, 36. 
Tower, Captain Charlemagne, 188. 
Trainer, Sergeant, 81. 
Trent, 32. 

Trent River, 41, 43,45- 
Tuckers, 155, 156. 
Tunstall's Station, 156. 
Twelfth Rhode Island, 98. 
Twentieth Indiana, 19, 21, 22. 
Twenty-fifth Massachusetts, 47. 
Twenty-eighth Pennsylvania, 59. 
Twenty-first Massachusetts, 40, 98, 117, 

124, 131. 133. 136, 138, 139- 
Twenty-fourth May, 1864, 151. 
Twenty-fourth Massachusetts, 39. 
Twenty- third Army Corps, no, in. 

Union Hotel, 188, 189. 
Union woman's tongue, 134. 
Unwritten history, 49. 
Upperville, 89. 



Vallandigham, C. L., 108. 

Varney, Lieutenant John H., 117, 140. 

Ventilation Mine, 167. 

Veteran furlough, 141. 

Viars, 152. 

Wagner, Major Jacob, 18, 43, 45, 

82, 117, 121, 122, 130, 131, 144, 194- 
Wallace, F. B., 188. 
Wallace, Colonel W. H., 175. 
Warrenton, 63, 64. 
Warrenton Junction, 63, 64, 92. 
Warrenton White Sulphur Springs, 63, 

92. 
Warwick Court House, 54. 
Washburn, Lieutenant Jay, 64. 
Washington City, 71, 72, 146- 
Waterloo, 90. 

Watkins, Lieutenant John, 1 95. 
Weber, General Max, 20. 
Weiser, Lieutenant Henry, 195. 
Weldon Railroad, 179, 180, 182. 
Wells, William J., 186. 
Werner, Captain J. Frank, 18, I45> 

189, 196. 
Werner, John T., 18, 188. 
Whitby, Jackson, 24. 

Whitby, Widow, 24. 

White, General, 127. 

Whitney, William L., 188. 

Wilcox, General O. B., 91, 98, loi, 
106, 109, no, 124, 126, 130, 154, 
162. 

Wild Cat Mountain, 119. 

Wilderness, 148, 149. 

Williams, Captain John L., 18, 99, 
186, 196. ,^ . , 

Williams, General Thomas, United 
States Army, 28, 30, 31, 37, IQO- 

WiUiams, Lieutenant Thomas P., 195. 

Wilson, Captain Malcolm, 190. 

Wind, 28. „ ^ 

Winlack, Captain Wilham, 17, 18, 3»» 
81, 99, 145, 168, 196. 

Womelsdorff, L. F., 188. 

Wood, Lieutenant John L., 18, 48, 99, 

195- 
Woody's, 155. 
Wool, General, United States Army, 

20, 23. 
Woolford's Cavalry, in. 
Wren, Andrew, 157. 
Wren, Major James, 17, 18, 79, 87. 

99, no, 144, 193- 
Wren, Thomas, 188. 
Wren, Captain William, 71. 

Yellow Creek, 104. 
Yellow Tavern, 180. 
York, 104. 



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